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BY THE PASTOR : 

WILLIAM W. DOWNEY. 



1732-1877. 



'*Ask for the old paths" — Jer. 6: 16. 



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llARRISHURG, I'A : 

INDKPKNDKNT STEAM BOOK AND JOB PRINT. 

1877. 



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C3^'5-_;^3;^ 




Entered, according to Act of roiigress, in the year 1877, by 

WM. W. DOWNEY, 

In the Oftice of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 



_EiL _L fe _L CJ Joif JL 



o JP 



PAXTON CHURCH 



^^.* 



BY THE PASTOR : 

WILLIAM W.^ DOWNEY. 



'*Ask for the old paths" — Jer. 6: i6. 






HARRISBURG, PA : 

INDEPENDENT STEAM BOOK AND JOK PRIST. 

1877. 



PREFATORY NOTE. 



In the case of the authorities I have consulted I have given direct and imme- 
diate references to them on the same pages on which they are quoted. The min- 
utes of Donegal and Carlisle Presbyteries are the f)nly exceptions. Here I have 
indulged my own discretion in the use of quotation marks: 1. Because in giving 
time and place of the meetings of Presbytery, the minutes can be readily con- 
sulted. 2. Because in many instances, for good reasons, brevity, clearness, &c., I 
have altered the language of the minutes to such an extent that I would scarcely 
be justifiable in using quotation marks. My preference has been to adhere lo the 
language of the minutes, and I have done so whenever it was not at too great a sac- 
rifice of brevity, style, or some other cardinal virtue of writing. In the interests of 
truth I have been compelled to give rather a dark showing of the Quakers. The 
period covered by this history, however, was full of disturbing elements. An insu- 
perable antipathy and bitter animosity existed between the Quakers and the Scotch- 
Irish settlers of the front. er. I do not wish it to be understood that any represen- 
tation of the Quakers of that day, is at all an expression of my views of that great 
brotherhood. When men are angry they will do much that tliey will not do when 
they are in a good humor; so, in coming from that period to the present, we come 
from "Philip drunk to Philip sober," from the Quaker intoxicated with rage 
against the "Paxton Boys," to the quiet, law-abiding, useful Quaker citizen of 
to-day. 



INTRODUCTION. 



The records of our old Churches being chiefly made up of the internal histo- 
ry of individual congregations, recounting principally in tables of statistics the 
circurastances of their growth, relieved occasionally by the recital of some event 
wliich once possessed a slight local interest, but now has lost even that, and liav- 
ing nothing to commend them to favorable attention and interest except a certain 
sort of curiosity about tlie days of our fathers, which soon wearies of detail, th. y 
must necessarily be more or less statistical, scrappy and uninteresting. They must 
be but a rapid narration of disconnected events, changing the subject in many 
instances almost with the rapidity of the lexicon. The more strictly and exclu- 
sively historical they are, the greater must be their lack of interest. Almost the 
only redeeming feature to which any interest will attach, will be the dragging out 
from the archives of history many old Presbyterian customs. These, when brought 
forth into the light of day, with the dust of age brushed off, will present vivid 
contrasts with our present practice and polity. They will show liow in some things 
our fathers were much more strict than we ; while in others, they were i:ot near so 
strict. In gathering together the records of our churches, and putting them in 
permanent form for preservation, we want strictly correct and accurate history, how-, 
ever dry and uninteresting it may be. Hence, to be true at once to history and to 
our needs, these articles ought not to take the form of discourses, but lather of 
brief and accurate historical sketches. 

With all the necessary material securely stored in one place, well bound, and 
systematically ticketed and labeled to facilitate reference, the future historian of 
American Presbyterianism will have an easy task compared with that of our pio- 
neer historians, who were compelled to ransack everything, even down to old faded, 
worn out, and half lost family records, considering even these choice morsels, and 
eager to lay hands on them, in order to gather up the disconnected, disjoined 
shapeless mass of stuff, which then is sti 1 to be woven into the smooth, connected, 
consecutive, and ever gently expanding web of history. 

All honor to our noble Assembly for the conception of the grand and vast de- 
sign. All honor for her timely, skillful and grand appeal to the two high and 
noble motives which ever have actuated, and ever will actuate American Presby- 
terians — patriotism or love of country, and love for our grand, old, historic Pres- 
by crian church. She is a member of that great family of Reformed Churches, 
Calvinistic in doctrine and Presbyterian in polity, constituting the mighty pillar 
on which the hopes of unborn centuries rest. She is the conservative centripetal 
force which binds the ripn of speculation fast to the hub of truth. Without her 
potent and wliolesome influence, speculation coursing on its way in giddy revolu- 



IN TROD UCTION. 



tions, whirling along with its frenzied fury, would long since have broken into 
transcendentalism, or some other form of nihilism. Thus are we all privileged, 
and we should alike feel obligated, to bring forward all our little stones, however 
small, trifling and insignificant they may appear singly, and lay them upon the 
wall, to help make up that massive and magnificent structure, the historic tem- 
ple of our common Presbyterianisra. This Presbyterianism is the spiritual mother 
of us all This is the Presbyterianism which, in an age of compromise, never 
compromised a single truth ; in an age of intensest hatred, unlike maddened and 
infuriated Puritanism and Independency, never trampled upon a fallen foe; and 
yet in the midst of the severest and mo t liotly contested conflicts, and the mos 
wearying and hopeless ones as well, in her unswerving fidelity to truth, honor and 
right, never blanched or quailed before a standing one. It behooves us then to draw 
out the little thread of old Paxton's history, which along with myriads of others 
constitutes the mighty cable, or forms a link in tliat massive golden chain of Pres- 
byterian history, which links Eden to Paradise Kcgained, the fallen to the glorified 
humanity. 




^^rr^;;;^^^~^:^i;Sp^^ 



HISTORY 



Paxton Clnircli i- si.uaitd tLne miles east of Harrisburg, and a little more 
tlian onc-eiglith of a niiU north of tlieEeading Turnpike. As it is one of the oldest 
Ch '.rches in the State, her history will not fail to interest many outside of her 
]);-esent membership. She is the mother of the Presbyterianifm of the neighbor- 
ing city of Harrisburg. Nor would it be possible to estimate the number of' 
m ignificent Churches of the young anc^ queenly ci'.ies of the great West, and con- 
g:-egations which are at once an ornar ent to their society and a most stable ele- 
m_nt in their religion, to which Paxtcn has Iccn one of n)ost fruitful of mothers. 

It seems impossible to commenct the history of Paxton Church at the begin- 
ning. No Ses: lo:ial records have been preserved dating further back than .June 
•21st, 1845, under the pastorate of the Ecv. John M. Boggs. Nor have any congre- 
gational records been preserved save a few scattered statistics of baptisms, marriages, 
djaths, admissions, dismissions and the iike. The Presbyterial records furnish 
t!ie only source of material previous to this date. The earliest notice of this 
C'.iurch we have been able to discover is given in the records of the Presbytery 
of Donegal. Its date is October 11 ill, 1732. It was on the occa>ion of the first 
meeting of that Presbytery, which was constituted that day out of a portion of the 
old Presbytery of New Castle, in accordance with an order of Synod, giv«en in 
September immediately preceding. Ihe meeting was held at the old Donegal 
Church. The ministers embracing this new Presbytery were Messrs. Anderson, 
Thomson, Boyd, Orr, and Bertram. Mr. Thomson was chosen Moderator, and 
Mr. Bertram, Clerk. 

At this early date both Paxton and Derry, though without a bench of Elders, 
were organized and equipped according to the ideas of that day, sufficiently at least 
to be enrolled among the Churches of Presbytery, and present a call for a minis- 
ter which was found in order. They were already united in one pastoral charge. 
When we view their position, strength and influence coupled with the fact that 
that was an age of slow growth, it is evident tliat both must have been in exist, 
ence as preaching points some considerable period before that time. So they are 
considerably older than the old Presbytery of Donegal. How far Paxton anti- 
dates 1732, is uncertain ; but certainly it was a central and public place of wor- 
ship before 1730. Before the pastorate of Mr. Bertram (1732), Mr. Anderson had 
for some indefinite period preached at Paxton as a supply, but never became 
pastor. Could we have access to the minutes of the Pi-esbytery of New Castle, 



HISTORY OF THE 



previous to 1732, we might be able to trace the history of Paxton further back, 
possibly to its beginning. But the fact that Mr. Bertram was the first pastor, coup- 
led with the additional fact that there was no session organized until after the be- 
ginning of his pastorate, clearly shows, that when we reach back to 1732, we are 
not far from her origin; and have most probably met old Paxton in the early 
bloom of her youth, and in the early morning of her history. 

It is an interesting fact worthy of being remembered, that the first item of busi- 
ness which came before Donegal Presbytery, was from the congregations of Paxton 
and Derry. From the minutes of October 11th 1732, we read: "This day appeared 
George Kenick and others from Paxton and Derry, requiring an answer to their 
call, given to the Rev, Mr. Bertram, at Philadelphia, when the Presbytery of 
New Castle met, producing their subscriptions to his support, which subscriptions 
were attested by Mr. Anderson. Whereupon Presbytery, asking Mr. Bertram, if 
he -had considered said call, and requiring his answer in relation thereunto, he 
declared his acceptance thereof, and that he would take the people's subscriptions, 
without any other obligation, for his support." 

On Wednesday, the 15th of November, 1732, Donegal Presbytery met at 
Swatara according to appointment to install Mr. Bertram pastor of Paxion and 
Derry. Mr. Anderson had by appointment notified the congregations some time 
previously, and no objection was made to the installation. Mr. Thomson presided 
and preached the sermon. 



MR. BERTRAM'S PASTORATE. 



"The congregation of Paxton and Derry with the concurrence of the Presby- 
tery, appoints Thomas Koster, George Renick, William Xuninghara, Thomas 
Hays, for Paxton side ; and for the other side of the creek, Rowland Chambers, 
Hugh Black, Robert Campbell, John Wilson, William Wilson, James Quigley, 
William McCord and John Sloan, to take care that the subscription for Mr. Ber- 
tram's maintenance be paid, and to collect the same until the congregation be 
better regulated. 

"Presbytery appoints the representatives aforesaid to assist Mr. Bertram, in 
congregational affairs, until the erection of a formal session. 

"The congregation did make over to Mr. Bertram and his heirs, their right 
and title to the plantation commonly called 'The Indian Town ' purchased from 
the Indians, over and above their subscriptions; and promised to deliver him all 
papers relating thereto." 

Having started very near the fount whence the stream of Paxton's history 
begins to flow, we find Mr. Bertram was her first pastor. His remains were com- 
mitted to the dust in the old Derry grave-yard.* 

Viewing the action of Presbytery relative to Mr. Bertram's call to Paxton 
and Derry, and his installation over these congregations, we see that, in matters of 
this kind, our fathers were far less strict constructionists of Presbyterian order and 



•M* Bertram's tomb-stone, in the nlrl Deri-y grave-yard, records thi^ fact. 



PAX TON CHURCH. 



polity than we are. In our day, a call for a pastor could scarcely be made out by 
an assembly of people wholly unorganized, without a single Church officer; and 
yet, when presented to Presbytery, be found in order, and put into the hands of 
the minister called. In regard to the general principles regulating ecclesiastical 
government our fathers were far more lax than we are. But they were more strict 
in individual requiremen:s for church membership, for holding office in the Church, 
and especially in all judicial cases. And yet this comparison is by no means dis- 
paraging to our Church of to-day. If there was a Judas among the twelve, of 
course there will be niany more among the thousands of names whicli now appear 
upon the roll of our communicants. While, then, the true ends of ecclesiastical 
government and discipline may be occisionally thwarted and defeated; still, it 
cminot be questioned but that the Presbyterian Church of 1876, is as jealous and 
watchful of her purity and integrity in Loth doctrine and life, as any noble, intel- 
ligent, disciplined and working band of Christians, standing up for Jesus, His 
cross and Mis gospel, have ever been. When we consider the exceedingly hetro- 
geneous elements which make up American society and civilization, and so the 
working and controlling power of the Church, we have reason abundantly to thank 
God and take courage, in view of the sweet harmony and peace, and the generous, 
hearty and efficient co-operation, which pervade all her counsels for her rapid 
and wide-spread extension. Indeed, I cannot help but feel that we get along much 
better than if we were all Scotch-Irishmen. 

The truth is, our fathers were extremists on these points. In fact, the denomi- 
nations generally were more bigoted and exclusive then than now. The catholic 
spirit of the gospel was neither so well understood, nor so influential. Conse- 
(juently, had not brought forth its fruit in the inter-denominational comity so 
characteristic of the present age. 

The same spirit which fostered denominational exclusiveness, influenced our 
fathers also in their dealings and judgments one with another, making them 
severe and critical. Their very training and dicipline, too much characterized by 
narrowne^JS and intensity, especially in the fiimily, not leaving room for a diver- 
sity of opinion on non-essentials, rendered hearty co-operation on any extended 
scale almost impossible. While the School-men were wasting time, and in many 
instances finished culture and splendi.l talents, in ridiculous efforts to settle tlie 
vexed problem as to how many angels could stand on the point of a needle at the 
same time, lost souls were going to perdition. So it has ever been of every age 
and every Church which pays almost exclusive attention to its theolosy, disregard- 
ing and ignoring the claims of that large and important class, tlie lost; while He 
whom they call their Master plainly declares, that the speciflc end for which He 
came into the world was, (Luke 19: 10), "to seek and to save that which was lost." 
Allowing but little latitude to the private discretion and general good judg- 
ment of their members, the Church courts of the days of our fathers mainlamed 
a most rigid surveillance over all the interests of the Church and its members, 
which, for minuteness of detail, was oppressive and burdensome, and not infre- 
quently very amusing. The Church was small, and its interests requiring general 
ecclesiastical legislation but few. This gave the Church courts very little to do. 
The higher judicatories were obliged to hunt up business to transact, that their 



10 HISTORY OF THE 

meetings might not appear entirely without a purpose. To avoid this dearth of 
business, they encroached upon the rights and usurped the prerogatives of the 
lower courts. Presbyterial records were to a great extent made up of what 
belonged peculiarly to Sessional records. It is not to be wondered at that Ses- 
sions became careless about preserving records, lax in enforcing discipline, and 
indifferent to all manner of business, when Presbytery persistently relieved them 
of the burden. If Presbytery preserves our Sessional records, where is the 
necessity of our troubling ourselves to keep tiiem, was the practical logic of the 
Sessions. It is doubtless largely owing to this fact that so few of tiie Sessions of 
those early days preserved records, and that the large part of such records as have 
been preserved, are so meagre and scanty as to be almost absolutely worthless. 
During the long period of Paxton's history preceding 1845 there has not been 
preserved the scratch of a pen in the shape of Sessional records. In view of the 
great dearth of such records, it is most fori mate that the Presbyterial miimtes of 
that period, are so largely made up of Sessional matter. Otherwise, so far as I am 
aware, it would be impossible to procure Ihe material for a history of Paxton. 

So again. Presbytery often thrust itself between Church Sessions and their 
members in judicial cases, in which the Session itself had original jurisdiction- 
Under no circumstances could Presl'ytery have the authority to proceed in any 
such case before allowing the Session the privilege and the opportunity to take 
action. It could then come properly bc'ore the Presbytery by an appeal, or by an 
exception to the action of the Session. As a youth grows up to manhood, if you 
persist in withholding confidence in his judgment and capacity, and always treat 
him as a child, he may at last be persuaded that he is only an overgrown child, 
and will continue dedendent upon you to such an extent perhaps, that he will never 
act for himself even in the most trivial affairs, but must harass and perplex yon to 
know what he is to do in so important and critical a juncture. Just so it was 
with the Sessions. The Presbyteries reposed no confidence in tiieir capacity, and 
treated them as though they were incompetent to attend to Sessional matters, 
until the Sessions really began to think so themselves. Ever treated as chil- 
dren, like children, they began to refer all sessional matters without touching 
them to the mother Presbytery for her counsel and decision. Indeed, the Session 
appeared completely over-ridden and ignored. To judge from the practice of the 
early Presbyteries, we would certainly conclude that they cousidered the Session, 
so far as an authoritative Church court is concerned, a more unnecessary appendage 
than the Synod is now considered by some in the form of a useless fifth wheel 
superadded to the ecclesiastical machinery of Presbyterianism. 

Again, Presbyteries maintained the same jealous watchfulness over Church 
members as our Church Sessions. For a young man never to be put upon his honor, 
but to feel that he is beset by constant watchfulness and suspicion, fosters deceit. 
So it was with the too jealous care of Presbyteries for Church members. The peo- 
ple felt that they were constantly watched and suspected, that Presbytery reposed 
no confidence in their honor and integrity of principle and character. The in- 
stinctive perversity of human nature rebelled against this, and a sense of wounded 
honor recoiled from it as well. Because of this constant suspicion and rigid sur- 
veillance they Vi^ere frequently guilty of misdemeanors, which perhaps under other 



PAX TON CHURCH. 



11 



circumstances and a different system of training, tliey would never have dreamed 
o!". And so it often happens, that at a single meeting of just one of those little 
Presbyteries, a greater number of wicked criminal and judicial cases, and frequently 
fornaraeless crimes, were brought before the attenti(m of Presbytery, than now come 
up before all the Presbyteries of our vast Assembly in a decade of years. The 
minutes of many meetings of Presbytery are little less than a foul, black record of 
impurity and uncleanness. If there is any lessson which the past experience of 
our Church has taught us, it is this: that it is injudicious and unwise to exercise 
too severe a censorship, and too little trust and confidence in our fellow-men. It 
is as great a mistake in the family as in the Church. The only use the Presby- 
tery seemed to have for the Church Session was as a sort of detective committee, 
whose duty it was to hunt up everything in their congregation which any evil dis- 
posed person might think called for legislation and discipline, and report it to the 
next meeting of Presbytery, that that body might play the part of publisher to as 
mmy scandals as could be discovered and invented, and brought before it. In 
reading their minutes one's heart is pained at the frequent recurrence of innumer- 
able scandals, many of which ought never to have been noticed, M'hile many 
others ought to have been settled by the Session, and never found their way into 
Presbytery, and a large portion of the remainder should have been buried in 
oblivion, and not allowed to blacken and deface the records of Presbytery. 

There is no more fruitful source of dissatisfaction, or of disintegration to a Church 
than this interminable confusion with reference to the proper limits to the jurisdic- 
tion of its difTerent judicatories. One of the main features of Presbyterian gov- 
ernment is, that it derives its power and authority from the consent of the people 
— the governed. Tliat consent is expressed both by a lay representation possessed 
of equal authority in the Church courts with the ministry, and by the exercise of 
the right of suffrage. The people elect their own officers ; and tolerate and prac- 
tice female suffrage too. Hence, the interests and rights of the people are to be 
represented. The judicatory, which is nearest to the people and most adequately 
represents them, is the Church Session. To ignore the jurisdiction of tin' Session 
is to ignore the connecting link between the people and the liigher judicatories, 
between the people and the general principle of governmental authority, and in- 
volves the ignoring of the rights of the people. Such a tendency is fraught with 
the greatest danger alike to true Presbyterianism and true Church government. 
Rather than submit to such an infringement upon the rights of Sessions and 
Church members, the great majority of our Churches of to-day would turn in the 
opposite direction, toward Congregationalism, and follow it even to the extreme of 
Independency. Whatever our fathers may have been, or not been, they certainly 
were not very good ecclesiastical lawyers. This is true down to a comparatively 
recent date; and to this day the limits to the jurisdiction of Presbytery, or to its 
power and authority inside of its jurisdiction, are enshrouded in dense liaze and 
mist. Hitherto the attention and learning of the Church has been devoted almost 
exclusivel}'^ to doctrinal theology. Hence the crude forms and cruder practice of 
ecclesiastical polity in the past, In the future tliis much neglected department 
will demand and receive a far larger share of attention. The signs of the times 



12 HISTORY OF THE 

plainly indicate a great sifting and no small change of the ideas of Presbyterian 
polity and order at present prevailing in the Church. 

On at least five different occasions, at as many different meetings of Pi esby- 
tery, Paxton and Derry even ordered to pay up tlieir arrears to Mr. Anderson. 

OnSeplember 6th, 1733, during the sessions of Presbytery at Upper Octorara 
"Mr. Bertram presented a list of men nominated by the congregations of Paxton, 
and Derry, to be set apart for Ruling Elders. Presbytery ordered that they be 
again published, and intimation s,iven that if any objection be made against any 
of them, said objeciion be given in due time." 

Presbytery met at Notingliam, April 2nd, 1734. On the third day, (April 4th) 
"Mr. Bertram, by advice of his Session, represented to Presbytery that a certain 
member of his congregation was encouraged by the congregation of Paxton to de- 
fend an action about boards, &c. in the civil law, that said person was cast with 
considerable costs which the congregation, nemo contradicente, agreed to pay by a 
proportionable distribution, with which some members afterwards refused to com- 
ply. Presbytery after due consideration of the same, ordered that the aforesaid 
charges and costs be equally defrayed by all the members of said congregation un- 
der pain of suspension from Church privileges." 

Wednesday, August 28th, 1734. Presbytery met at Paxton by way of visita- 
tion. Mr, Bertram, tliougli the pastor of the Church, had been appointed preacher 
for the occasion. The congregation had already received due notice of this in- 
tended visitation, Mr. Bertram "preached with approbation" from 2nd Cor, 4:5, 
"For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus, the Lord ; and ourselves your ser- 
vants for Jesus' sake." "It was asked whether Mr. Bertram had performed his duty 
as a gospel minister, in the several branches thereof, and maintained a conduct and a 
behavior suitable to Iiis station. The representatives of both societies answered 
affirmatively — to tlieir great satisfaction and spiritual edification. The said rep- 
resentatives being asked about the conduct of the elders in both societies replied 
that they had no objection, nor much time to make trial of their behavior, said 
elders being but lately invested with that office. It was likewise asked whether 
any proper methods were used to collect Mr. Bertram's salary. They answered 
that vsuitable methods had been devised, and they hoped, would be duly jirosecuted . 
The elders of both societies were called in, and asked concerning the general be- 
havior of their minister in the congregation, and his particular conduct in manag- 
ing sessional affairs. They replied : "As to the former, his conduct was exemplary 
and agreeable. As to the latter, in consequence of the veiy recent formation of 
the session, they had not opportunity for much experience with them. Mr. Ber- 
tram was then called in, and asked whether tlie people had performed their duty 
to him in all respects. He replied that he had no general complaints, but was 
not fully satisfied with reference to his house. As to the payment of his subscrip- 
tions, he had not computed his book accounts, but expected to be capable to give 
a particular account thereof against our next meeting." 

Pastor and people were getting along very harmoniously. Neither had com- 
plained of the other, nor had had any reason to do so. Certainly pecuniary matters 
were not in a very bad condition when Mr. Bertram had not even thought it worth 
while to cast up his salary accounts. Such, liowever, wei-e the inquisitorial pro- 
cesses to which congregations were frequently subjected by the early Presbyteries, 



PAXTON CHURCH. 13 



not only regardless of their needs and wishes, but oftentimes even without any 
previous intimation, otHcial or otherwise. Besides, Presbytery had met, and 
must have somethins to do. As they could find nothing else, they thought 
they might as well do that. Having disposed of this matter which was alto- 
geiher aside and incidental, they proceeded to investigate the difficulty about tlie 
boards, which was the real object of visitation, and was both legitimate and 
necessary. 

"A supplication was presented by some persons of Paxton congregation, com- 
plaining of ihdr being suspended from Church privileges, for their not contribu- 
ting to the payment of the charges of a certain law suit prostcuted against George 
Kenick by Patrick Martin. The parties having been heard and removed, I'rcs- 
bytery proceeded to the consideration of the whole afiair; and noticed that in 
what was testified by several persons, there were strong insinuaticms that Patrick 
Martin, in some steps which he took, had a very guily hand in bringing said 
charges on the cOiigregation. Hence, Presbytery think it their duty to uuike 
further inquiry into his conduct in this affair. Presbytery then adjourned until 
the next morning I and required all parties to attend who could give any light 
in this business." 

On the following dav, (August 29th, 1734), " this supplication of some of the 
members of Paxton churcli was resumed. George Renick with several others 
represented several things to Presbytery to make it appear that Patrick Martin's 
conduct was culpable in reference to the occasion of the above charges and costs, 
especially in two particulars, viz., liis not f'ultilling a certain contract, concerning 
the sawing of 1,000 feet of plank for Mr. Bertram's house ; as also his commenc- 
ing a suit at law against George Renick, for the pay due to him for the sawing of 
said plank. 

"Patrick Martin was then heard in his own vindication in these two particu- 
lars. Much was said by parties and evidences on both sides. At length the par- 
ties were i-emoved, and Presbytery came to discourse of the whole affair. All the 
members having deliberately offered their reasonings upon the same. Presbytery, 
at last came to an unanimous judgment of the whole affair in the following par- 
ticulars. 

"First, That whatever probability there may be from circumstances, and 
however it be evident that the congregation understood it so, that Patrick Martin 
was by bargain obliged to saw part of the above plank of white oak, yet it does 
not appear to us clearly, that he was by bargain obliged to do it, and therefore we 
cannot convict him of breach of bargain in relation to said plank. 

''Secondly, That however Patrick Martin alleges that he was provoked by 
hard and abusive words from George Renick, together with the disagreeable con- 
duct of some other i)ersons, in reference to the payment for sawing of said plank, 
yet it appears from various plain evidences of matter of fact, circumstances of the 
whole affair, and Patrick's own concessions before us, tiuit he conmienced said 
law suit, not so much for fear of losing his payment, as from human and sinful 
resentment against George Renick and some other persons, and that iherefore he 
is guilty in a very sinful manner, of exposing our holy religion, and particularly 
this congregation to ridicule and contempt before the world by going to law before 



14 HISTORY OF THE 

sucli as are without, and that so precipitately, without exercising any reasonable 
desire of patience towards the people, to give them time for payment of said 
money or wages, especially considering th.it Mr. Bertram had offered to pay said 
money or wages in behalf of said pjople from \v.io:n it was due. 

^^ Thirdly, That George Ronick and the congregation were exceedingly 
guilty in not taking up said law suit wiien they knjw it was commenced, thereby 
having a guilty hand in exposing themselves and our profession lo contempt, as 
above, excepting such as declare'! themselves against its continuing in the law. 

^'Fourthly, That however the eleven supplicants plead their own payments 
to Patrick Martin in their own justification for not contributing to the expenses 
of thj above law suit, yet we think them guilty also on their part in choosing 
rather to hazard a breach in the congregation for the sake of so small a triilc, as 
was laid upon each of them, and by the payment of which much trouble and con- 
fusion might have been saved ; and it is our judgment thai said supplicants should 
pay their proportion of the charges of said law suit, as they cherish the peace of 
the congregation. 

'^Fifthly, That George Renick and the men who bargained with Patrick Mar- 
tin are guilty of a great oversight in not taking care to be more clear and distinct 
in making said bargain with Patrick .Martin; and also that George Renick was 
much in the wrong in giving such provoking language to Patrick Martin, as 
had a visible tendency to provoke him to take the severe measures which he took, 
notwithstanding any provocations alleged. 

"Sixthly, That, our brother Bertram acted with an unjustifiable precipitancy, 
in admitting Patrick Martin to sealing ordinances before and without any judicial 
inquiry into his above conduct, especially seeing that he knew that many of the 
congregation were offended with said Patrick Martin on that account. 

''Ill sum, That Presbytery does lament and bewail a spirit of contention and 
uncharitable stiflhess of temper that appear to prevail so much among the pro- 
fessors of religion in o ir day, that so many appear to choose deliberately to sacri- 
fice the peace of Christ's Church to their own private interests and humors ; and 
we earnestly entreat that the people of this congregation in particular, may be 
persuaded to put on a spirit of meekness, mutual forbearance, and charitable con- 
descension towards one another, .lest, if they bite and devour one another, they be 
consumed one of another, lest they gratify the great enemy of Christ and His 
Chu.ch by casting it down to the ground before it be well begun to be built. 

" Upon reading the above judgment, the Moderator asked all the persons men- 
tioned therein whether they would submit thereto. In answer to which all who 
were present submitted. Only four of the supplicants were absent, upon which 
it is ordered that said persons sliall express their compliance with said judgments 
before the ministers that assist Mr. Bertram at the sacrament, in order to be 
treated as orderly members." 

October 16th, 1734. Mr, Bertram reported to Presbytery at Donegal " that 
both parts of his congregation had appointed persons to take care that his subscrip- 
tions be duly collected, by which he hoped that affair would soon be brought to a 
good pass; and that they are taking measures to put his house in good habitable 
order." 



PAX TON CHUB Off. 15 



" Mr. Bertram, Mr. Anderson and ol-hers reported that the four persons belong- 
ing to Paxton concerned in Presbytery's judgment given at tlie last meeting, who 
we°re then absent, had declared th/u- a.> .uiescence in and submission to said judg- 
lujuc, belorc; tlie aduiinisiration of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in that 

place." 

April 2nd, 1735. Mr. Bertram reported to Presbytery at Donegal "that some- 
thing had been done towards the finishing o. his house, and that tlie congregation 
intend to finish that work as soon as possible." 

On the following day, (April 3rd), Mr. Bertram represented " that some of his 
people of Paxion, iiave not yet fulfilled the design of an order of Presbytery 
givin when met there iast Sei)tember, relating to the paying up the charges of the 
Taw suit to which said minute refers. Presbytery recommended to all persons 
concerned to take care speedily to pay tiieir proportion of said charges, and so 
prevent all occasion of the Presbytery making any further inquiry about this 

matter." - •^T t> 

At a meeting of Presbytery at Chestnut Level, June 10th, l/3o, Mr. Ber- 
tram's Elder reported, '"that some of the people have as yet done nothing toward 
the repairing of his house. Presbytery rect.mmended earnestly to the people of 
Pixton an I Derry to be mjre forward an 1 expeditious in that business." 

Darin"- the session of Presbytery at Notingham, October 9th, 1735, Mr. Ber- 
tram an I his Elder represented to Presbytery "that inasmuch as Mr. Bertram is 
under an intolerable burden of labor and fiuigue, in the discharge of the work of 
the ministry to both parties of the congregation to which he stands related, it is 
their desire that some of the ministers may be appointed at a convenient time to go 
into and reasjn with the people of said congregation and inquire into their circum- 
stances as to their ability to be separated into two distinct congregations, and sup- 
nort tliemselves, in order that Mr. Bertram, being eased of part of his burden, 
may be able to go on with more comfort in the discharge of his duty to whichev r 
part of said people he shall be determined to continue with." 

'■Presbytery, in view of said motion and desire, ordered Mr. Anderson to 
meet Mr. Craigh'jad on his return from over tiie river, :md to convene that pc(.ple 
at the meeting house of Derry for the purpose aforesaid, and make report of what 
appears to Presbvterv at its next meeting. The day appointed fV.r said meeting 
was the second Wednesday of November. The aforesaid brethren were further 
ordered to inquire how accounts stood between Mr. Bertram and said people." 

This committee fulfilled its appointment and presented a written report 
which was received by Presbytery at Middle Octorara, November 20ih, 1735. 
With it they presented "a supplie>ation from the Session, in the name of the con- 
gregation of Derrv, desiring tiiat it should be' separated from Paxton as a distinct 
congregation, and'that their bomds might be fixed, so that they might be able to 
take steps to procure supplies." 

Lazarus Stewart appeared at this time also to prosecute a supplicaiion from 
Mannda Creek for a new erection. 

"Presbyterv, considering both these aflfiiirs, think it not convenient to come 
to a determination until they be better informed about the distance and situation 
of those people. Therefore Presbytery appoints Mr. Anderson and any other 



16 HISTORY OF THE 

brother whom tlie standing committee above appointed shall see convenient to 
serve with him, to perambulate the bounds and borders of the congregation of 
Derry and people of Manada some time next Spring, and said committee shall 
appoint which bretliren shall make report of what they can discover to the Pres- 
bytery at its next meeting. Said brethren were ordered to take particular notice 
of the situation of the meeting house of Manada, its distance from the meeting 
house of Derry, and Mr. Anderson was ordered to take an Elder with him. This 
committee is empowered to fix the bounds of said people, and to determine con- 
cerning the situation of the meeting house of Manada. 

"Presbytery also defers to do anything in relation to Mr. Bertram's release 
from any part of his charge until our next meeting, at which time we expect to be 
better acquainted with the circumstances and ability of the several parts of Mr. 
Bertram's congregation." 

The committee met at Octorara, December 10th, 1735, and added to its num- 
ber Mr. Thompson. At a meeting of Presbytery at Octorara, April 14th, 1736 
the perambulation committee reported its mission unfulfilled in consequence of 
severe weather. Mr. Bertram being absent, Presbytery deferred taking any action 
looking to the dividing of his charge until its next meeting. 

During the meeting of Presbytery at Notingham, May 26th, 1736, Derry was 
appointed as the place, and the first Wednesday in September the time for the 
next meeting. A committee consisting of Mr. Anderson, Andrew Gilbraith, and 
one of the Elders from Paxton, William Maxwell, were ordered to meet on the 
preceding Tuesday at Derry to perambulate the bounds between that people and 
those of Manada. 

Presbytery met at Derry according to appointment Wednesday, September 
1st, 1736. Mr. Anderson reported that the committee appointed to perambulate 
the bounds between Derry and the people of Manada had fulfilled its mission, and 
gave in the sentiments of the committee in writing. After some debate Presby- 
tery approved the judgment of the committee; that the people of Manada be 
separated into a distinct congregation, and that the place where they liave begun 
to build a house is the most suitable place for a meeting house for said people. 
Lazarus Stewart engages to Presbytery that all persons who belong or shall join 
themselves to this new Church, and are in arrears to Mr, Bertram, shall pay up. 

On the following day, (September 2nd, 1736), Presbytery instituted an inquiry 
into Mr. Bertram's release from one part of his charge. The people of Paxton 
were asked what they could afford yearly for the support of their minister. They 
replied, they were willing to engage for the sum of sixty pounds, one-lialf in 
money, the other half in hay, flax, linen, yarn or linen cloth at market price. 

The people of Derry promised the sum of £55 to be paid in like manner. 
"Both congregations declare that though they will allow their minister the benefit 
of surplus subscriptions, yet they would expect a congregational discharge yearly 
on the payment of said respective quotas. Both engage to choose collectors for 
their respective quotas. It was further agreed by the people of Manada and 
Derry, and ordered by the Presbyto-y, that those living upon the borders of the 
two congregations, that is, between the two meeting houses and beyond the 
Swatara Creek, shall on or bofore the first of November next declare in an orderly 



PAX TON CHURCH. 17 



way (that is, before some of the Elders or principal men of the congregation whom 
they make choice of), wliether they will join with the congregation of Derry or of 
Manada, and after the iirst day of November next none who now dwell in bounds 
shall be at liberty to make or alter their choice in this matter but by the conven- 
ience of both congregations, or by order of Presbytery." 

"The congregations of Paxton and Derry being interrogated, both declare 
that it is their earnest desire, that Mr. Bertram may be continued with them as 
their minister and pastor." Mr, Bertram was asked which of t i-.-e two congrega- 
tions he wished to adhere to. He requested that he might have liberty to delib- 
erate on this point until the next stated meeting of Presbytery. Presbytery 
ordered Mr. Bertram to give his answer during the approaching meeting of Synod 
either verbally or in writing. 

Presbytery met in Piiiladelphia, September 16th, 1736 during the Session of 
Synod. Mr. Bertram, being asked to which of the two congregations he preferred 
to adhere, replied, to Derry. Presbytery approved and Paxton was declared 
vacant. It was recommended to r)erry "speedily to improve upon the glebe-land 
that was talked of in order to make it habitable for Mr. Bertram, that his ease- 
ment of travel might be obtained. "In the mean time Mr. Bertram was to 
administer the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to the people of Paxton that fall. 
Mr. Thomas Craighead was appointed to supply the congregation of Manada the 
last Sabbath of tiiat month, (Septeaiber), and Paxton the iirst !ia jbath iu October. 
The people of Paxton were requested to pay their arrears to Mr. Bertram as 
soon as possible. 

October 26th, 1736. Lazarus Stewart reported to Presbytery at Donegal that 
nothing had yet been done toward the payment of arrears due to Mr. Bertram 
because they liad not yet received from him a list of said arrears. He declared 
the people ready to pay up these arrears immediately upon the reception of a list 
of them. No reports were made concerning the fullillment of appointments by 
supplies for the people of Paxton and Derry by reason of the absence of these 
parlies. 

On the following day, (October 27th), Mr. Craighead having arrived, was 
questioned relative to the fulfilling of his appointments. He reported all fulfilled 
except at Paxton. His reason for failing to meet his appointment at tiiis place was 
that he understood from a letter received from two of the Elders of that congrega- 
tion, that the people would not come out to hear him. Several persons from that 
congregation being present were heard concerning this matter. The substance of 
what they said was in justification of their rejecting Mr. Craiglvead's visit. After 
considerable debate Presbytery unanimously adopted the following resolution : 
"The people of Paxton have shown such disrespect to our Presbyterial order and 
authority, that we look upon ourselves as under such discourugi'ment, as to Presby- 
terial care and oversight and provision for the people, that we cannot think it our 
duty to appoint them supplies until they acknowledge their fault in rejecting our 
appointment as to Mr. Craighead, and until we have more assurance from them 
than we now have, that our appointments with respect to them will meet with more 
kindly entertainment. 

"And we judge also with respect to Mr. Craighead, that he was in that matter 



18 HISTORY OF THE 

also faulty, that notwithstanding the discouragement he had, yet he being Presby- 
terially appointed, should have staid till the Sabbath and attempted to have 
preached, until they had actually shut the doors against him." 

This resolution was read in the hearing of the people of Paxton who were 
present. Tliey immediately retired for consultation. David Wilson then declared 
as their representative that he would make no reply, until they should return 
home and consult the congregation. 

Presbytery's " committee," or rather commission, met at Donegal, February 
8th, 1736. Before this committee appeared, William Renick and, William Max. 
well as commissioners from the people of Paxton. In the name of that congi-ega- 
tion they declared "that they were sensible of and sorry for the disregard of the 
Presbytery's order which they were guilty of in refusing or discouraging Mr. 
Craighead to preach among them, and acknowledge that it was their sin and fault, 
and withal desire that the committee may appoint them supplies as they judge 
convenient for the future. "Their acknowledgment was accepted. Mr. Sankey 
was appointed to supply them the three following Sabbaths of February, then two 
Sabbaths at Manada, and then again at Paxton the last two Sabbaths of March. 
The committee also, in pursuance of Mr. Bertram's request forwarded by letter, 
recommended to the people of Paxton to pay up tlieir arrears to him as speedily 
as possible. 

April 6th, 1737. At Chestnut Level, Presbytery again appointed Mr Sankey 
to supply Paxton and Manada until its next meeting. 

June 23rd, 1737. At Notingham, Presbytery received a supplication from 
Paxton requesting the appointment of one of its ministers to moderate a congre- 
gational meeting for making out a call before the next meeting of Presbytery. 
This request elicited considerable discussion, but was finally denied. Mr. Sankey 
was again appointed to supply Hanover (Manada) and Paxton. 

August 31st, 1737. At Middle Octorara, " a supplication was presented from 
the people of Paxton, and a verbal application from the commissioners of Penns- 
borough, desiring Presbytery to apply to the Presbytery of New Castle for a hear- 
ing of Mr. Wilson, or some other probationer of that Presbytery. " In answer to 
these requests, the next day, (September 1st), Presbytery ordered Mr. Black to 
write to the Presbytery of New Castle, " to acquaint Mr. Elder tluit it is our desire, 
that he may procure credentials from that Presbytery, in order to join with us for 
the supply of our vacancies." Mr. Alexander was appointed to supply Paxton 
the third and fourth Sabbath of that month, (September). 

At the next meeting of Presbytery at Pequa, October oth, 1737, Mr, Elder 
was present with his credentials. The next day, (Ocbober 6th), Presbytery 
appointed him to supply Paxton four Sabbaths, and Mr. Samuel Craven for two 
Sabbaths. 

After Mr. Bertram's resignation, September 16th, 1736, Paxton was vacant 
over eighteen months. But, as we have seen, she was well supplied. Mr. Ber- 
tram having been installed November 15th, 1732, his pastorate extended over a 
period of just three years, ten months and one day. Continuing in charge of 
Derry, Paxton and Derry were henceforth for a considerable period two separate 
charges with different pastors. ' 



PAX TON CHURCH. 19 

November 16th, 1737. Mr. Elder reported to Presbytery at Derry that he 
had fulfilled his appointment at Paxton. A supplication was presented the same 
day from the congregation of Paxton, requesting Presbytery to appoint one of its 
members to preside in making out a call for Mr. Elder. The Moderator was 
appointed to preside at this meeting at discretion before the next meeting of Pres- 
bytery. He was al.so ordered to be present with and assist Mr. Bertram in filing 
accounts with the congregation of Paxton. Messrs. Anderson and Bertram were 
appointed to select a subject for a homily for Mr. Elder as a part of trial to be 
aejivcred at the next meeting, provided no difficulty attend the call of Paxton to 
him. Mr. Elder was appointed to supply Paxton until the next slated meeting of 
Presbytery. 

At Donegal, April 12th, 1738. A supplication from a considerable part of 
the congregation of Paxton together with a call for Mr. Elder was presented to 
P.esbytery. A supplication from a small number of said congregati;j;i was also 
read. After hearing both parties by their commissioners, and some se.-;o;is dis- 
cussion upon the subject, it was unanimously agreed that said call be presented to 
Mr. Elder for consideration. By reason of the circumstances of the case, Mr. 
Elder desired the Presbytery to retain the call under its care for some time. 
Presbytery consented. Mr. Eldjr was ; ppointed to supply Paxton until the next 
meeting ; and to deliver at that time a homily from (.John 3: 36), "He that believeth 
on t.ie aov\, hatli everlasting life." 

At the Forks of Brandywine, June 29th, 1738, Presbytery again presented 
this call to Mr. Elder. This time he accepted it. The stipends promised were 
£60 in money. Salaries were then paid sometimes half in money and half in 
commodities, such as bacon, hay, flax, linen yarn, linen cloth, and various other 
articles at market prices. Occasionally the salary was entirely made up of these 
commodities, without a farthing in money, yuch was the case with Mr. Sankey, 
the first paster called to the Hanover Church. 

Mr. Elder was ordered to prepare a common head on "The Necessity of a 
Divine Revelation," and a lecture on the third epistle of John to be presented at 
the next meeting. At Hanover, August 30th, 1738, Mr. Elder delivered the com- 
mon head assigned him which was approved. He was ordered to prepare a Pres- 
byterial exercise on Rom. 8 : 6, "For to be carnally minded is death ; but to be 
spiritually minded is life and peace." The following day, (August 31st), Presby- 
tery promised at their next session to give an answer to the Pax°on supplication as 
to their desire that Mr. Elder's ordination ba forwarded before winter. 

October 17th, 1738. Mr. Elder delivered before Presbytery at Pequa the 
Presbyterial exercise recently assigned him, which was approved. He delivered 
too, a lecture on the third epistle of John, which was also approved. Next day,' 
(October 18th), JNIr. Elder was ordered to deliver a popular sermon from Psaliii 
119: 165, at the next meeting, the third Tuesday of the following December at 
Paxton. His ordination was fixed for the second day of that meeting. Mr. 
Black was appointed to preside. Mr. Elder's extempore trial too was fi*xed for 
that meeting. Paxton congregation was ordered to pay up Mr. Bertram's arrears 
before next meeting. 

December 21st, 1738. Presbytery met at Paxton pursuant to adjournment. 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

Mr Elder opened the meeting with a popular sermon from Psalm 119, verse 165, 
"Great peace have they which love the law: and nothing shall offend them." 
The sermon was approved. His extempore trials were then taken up. These 
were approved also. Next day, (December 22nd), Mr. Bertram's arrears were 
considered. After considerable discussion, Presbytery ordered "that after the 
ordination of Mr. Elder, he and the Session take care that none of those who are 
deficieut as to what they were to pay Mr. Bertram by note or otherwise, be 
admitted to any Church privileges till they have satisfied his claims." 



MR. ELDER'S PASTORATE. 



Mr. Sankey had notified the congregation of the approaching ordination 
according to appointment. Mr. Alexander Craighead proclaimed to the people 
that Presbytery was ready. No objection was made. Presbytery proceeded to 
the ordination. Mr. Black preached the sermon from 2 Tim. 2: 15, "Study to 
show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needetli not to be ashamed, 
rightly dividing the word of truth." Mr. Elder was then ordained, received as a 
member of Presbytery, and his name added to the roll of its ministers. Paxton 
was Mr. Elder's first charge, and he remained her pastor as long as he continued 
preaching. He came into the Presbytery as a licentiate October 5th, 1737, and 
was ordained and installed pastor of Paxton December 22nd, 1738, a little more 
than fourteen months after he had come into the Presbytery.* 

This young divine, afterwards Paxton's venerable pastor, was one of the most 
popular preachers of his day. Presbytery never lost an opportunity of hearing 
him, and during his connection with Donegal Presbytery he preached more fre- 
quently before that body than any other man in it. He preached the opening ser- 
mon at three successive meetings of Presbytery. March 6th, 1744, he opened 
Presbytery at Donegal with a sermon from Philip. ]: 23, "For I am in a strait 
betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ ; which is far better." 
November 6th, 1744, he opened Presbytery at Hanover with a sermon from Dent. 
29: 19, "And it come to pass, when he heareth the words of this curse, that he 
bless himself in his heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagi- 
nation of mine heart, to add drunkenness to thirst." Again, on March 26th, 1745, 
he opened Presbytery at Derry with a sermon from Rom. 8: 18, " For I reckon 
that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the 
glory which shall be revealed in us." He was much sought after too for ordina- 



* Sherman Dav, in his "Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania" p. 274, asserts 
that Mr. Elder was the first pastor of Paxlon and Derry. This is incorrect, Mr. Bertram was 
the first pastor. (See note pajje S ; also minutes of Donegal Presbytery for 1732.) Paxton had 
one pastor (Mr. Bertram), and Derry two (Messrs. Bertram and Roan) before Mr. Elder. 

On the same page of the same volume this same accurate (?) author asserts that the first 
meeting house at Paxton "is said" (opportunely thought of) "to have been erected ahmit the 
year 1740." This is at the very least, ten years too late— most probably more. (See minutes of 
Donegal Presbytery for 1732.) 



PAX TON CHURCH. 21 

tion and installation occasions; and among others, delivered the sermon at the 
installation of Mr. Black at the Conewago Church. At the Forks of Brandywine 
Jnly 1st, 1741, he was made Moderator for the ensuing year. He was one of the 
bust clerks in tlie Presbytery, and frequently filled that position, October 29th^ 
1741, at Donegal he was appointed one of a committee to visit the Derry congre- 
gation, inquire into, and if possible, settle some difficulties between that people 
and tlieir pa-itoi-, Mr: Bertram. April 6th, 1742, Presbytery met at Paxton. Mr. 
Eider was appointed on a committee with Messrs. Black and Sankey, to meet at 
Mr. Sankey's on the first Wednesday of May following, to revise the Presbyterial 
minutes and insert them in the "minute book." November 10th, 1747, he opened 
Presbytery at Donegal with a sermon from Psalm, 119: 60, "I made haste and 
delayed not to keep thy commandments." He was clerk for the years 1748 and 
17o0. Tliese are recorded as a few of the many interesting little incidents con- 
nected with ill-! history. We propose now to go a little deeper into his history 
and present a brief outline sketch of his character. 

On December 12th, 1740, certain persons from Paxton appeared before 
Presbytery at Middle Octor;ira, and charged Mr. Elder with preaching false doc- 
trine. These persons were cited to appear before Presbytery at its next meeting 
with their witnesses, and make good their charge. It does not appear from the 
Presbyterial records that any attempt was ever made to substantiate this charge 
against Mr. Elder's orthdoxy; and he continued an honored and esteemed mem- 
ber of his Presbytery. This charge may have been a thrust aimed at Mr. Elder's 
peace and usefulness by some evil disposed persons, anxious to injure him. I am 
rather disposed to think, however, that it naturally grew out of the uniform cus- 
tom and practice of the Church at that day. 

The large proportion of the earl}' ministers, through the settlements and Pres- 
byteries frisni Pliiladelphia westward, were from Scotland or the North of Ireland- 
and the Presbytery of Donegal derives its name from the northwestern county of 
tiie province of Ulster, in the North of Ireland. They came generally while yet 
in early life. By reason of tlie dearth of either facilities or oppoi-tunities neces- 
sarily consequent upon the more or less roving life in the sparsely settled wilder- 
ness of America, they made little advance in theology beyond what they had 
attained to before coming over. Even in the Scotch universities, divinity was 
far from the advanced and learned science it is to-day. In our own country, 
young men studying divinity pursued their studies with some pastor. They 
secured as much theohigy perhaps as he taught, and frequently no more. There 
were no Theological Seminaries, and no divines whose special province it was to 
teach technical tJieology. Ministers, busily engaged with pastoral duties. Church 
extention, and tlie manifold interests incident to the conquest of the new country 
for King Immannel, had neither the leisure, nor the means and opportunity to 
make themselves skilled and able theologians. So, there was but little advance 
in systematic theology. They read the old received text books of the Church, 
Calvin, Channock, Howe, Baxter and others, together with Matthew Henry's com- 
mentary, the confession of faith and the catechisms. When once through these, 
they thought they had made an end of tlieology. They were accustomed to look 
upon these grand old leaders of religious thought with the utmost veneration; and 



22 HISTORY OF THE 



would no sooner tolerate any disagreement with them than with Isaiah or Paul. 
Though they would have denied it had the question been formally put to them, 
yet they practically received these men as inspired. 

^ Not only would they brook no disagreement with these divines on points on 
which they had expressed themselves; but advancing further still, they would 
not even allow any additions to be made, conceiving them to have given a com- 
plete and exhaustive system of theology. Posterity might perhaps climb as high 
and know as much as they did; but soar above them and know more— never 
The idea never occurred to them, that while the Bible was complete and could 
receive no additions, it might still remain a little larger and fuller than their 
theologies, and might contain a few wholesome truths which had not yet been 
transcribed. The only wonder is, that they did not abandon sermons entirely and 
just read from the pulpit these old books. The solution doubtless is, that' the 
phraseology of these books must often be translated into the popular dialect before 
their teachings can be grasped by the popular comprehension. Still thev loved 
the formulated phraseology of the books; and used it whenever they thought the 
people would comprehend it, and also whenever the p.'eacher himself did not 
comprehend it. If they did not comprehend it, of course they could not express 
It. What more simple in such a dilemma than just to borrow thought expres- 
sion and all from the books. How handsonjely a dearth of ideas mav be covered 
up by the stately and magnificent tread of a lumbering, tedious, long-drawn-out 
formulated phraseology. When any minister, of more than ordinary originality 
and ability, weary of this monotony, hungering and thirsting for some little variety 
or fired by his own original, dear and definite grasp of his subject, presented it 
in a style and language a little peculiar to himself, if any brother was half a sleep 
or a little dull of comprehension, and did not at once perceive that it was a 
familiar subject and train of thought in slightly different dress it would not be lonc^ 
before some misgivings would be expressed as to the speaker's orthodoxy and dis^ 
mal forbodings lest he should introduce innovations into the Church 'unfortu 
nately for the prosperity of the Church all these men are not dead yet. I know too 
many of them, could pick them out, lay my hands on them, and call them bv 
their names. Alas, that the wide-spread and richlv wholesome influence of many 
a majestic intellect is nipped in the bud by the intolerable stupidity of many who 
see no deeper than the surface, and not half so far as to-morrow's sun-rise 

This is the devil's way of getting rid of men he fears. He makes use of the 
envy and jealousy of their weaker brethren. There are plenty of men in the 
ministry whom the devil would not remove if he could. Thev are just to his 
hkmg. They may not be wicked men. They may be good enough in iheir way 
But they are too weak to make their people think, too indolent to set the good 
example of an active Christian life. They just make no impression, exert no 
influence, and let their people pursue the even tenor of their way. That is all the 
devil wishes. He will compromise with anv good man on those terms If Christ 
were to take him around to all the Churches, and permit him to turn out every 
minister he wished, you would be surprised to find how manv churches would 
retain their pastors. 

• From all we can learn of Mr. Elder, he was pre-eminently a man who, in an 



PAX TON CHURCH. 23 



age of borrowed thoughi, did his own thinking. When he stood in his pulpit, he 
spoke out the results of that thinking in the fear of God, without much regard to 
the predilections of man. The truth is, he was in advance of his age. His brother 
ministers did not comprehend his views, motives and purposes; and so, fail to 
sympathize with them. His anxious desire and earnest efforts to secure a more 
thoroughly trained ministry, were consta'.nly protested against by weaklings who 
feared that men like themselves could never climb up to the standard. He was 
constantly hampered by the spirit of a false conservatism so prevalent in his day, 
and still too prevalent in some quarters. True conservatism is that which con- 
serves and develops the life and energies of the Church by a healthy growth and 
progress. This false conservatism, fearing lest it should make a mistake, would 
stand still forever. It is stagnation, death, infidelity to obligation, to duty, and to 
God. It has let millions of souls drop in perdition through its inaction, and then 
sent after them the card of its sympathy written all over with its good intentions. 

Not only was Mr. Elder one of the ablest men of his day, remarkable for 
clearness and fore-sight, but he was also most tenacious of his opinion, and honest 
and out-spoken in the avowal of it. Nor could any man be more inflexibly 
honest and careful in conforming his conduct and life to his own convictions of right. 
So far as his influence could accomplish that end, he made all with whom he came 
in contact do the same. He maintained perfect decipline and order among his 
people, and his was one of the best regulated congregations in the Presbytery. 
He was noted for studied accuracy, and always took care to have both justice and 
the form of law on his side. Tliis feature of his character may be readily illus- 
trated by an incident from the history of Paxton Session which occurred during 
his pastorate. At Derry March 27th, 1745, Robert Armstrong of Paxton appeared 
and gave in a supplication containing a charge against the Session of Paxton. 
Presbytery ordered a copy of said charge to be given to that Session immediately, 
and'thatboth parties be prepared for trial atthenext meeting. April5th, 1745 at Don- 
egal, Pi-esbytery entered upon the consideration of the libel against Paxton Ses- 
sion. Though the charge had been entered in an irregular manner. Presbytery 
entertained it. Presbytery considered the matter on the 4th, read what papers 
were given in, heard the parties implead one another, but did not pass judgment until 
the 5th. Having met, the parties were called in. Eobert Armstrong not appear- 
ing, "several persons declared that they heard said Armstrong say last night, he 
would go home, and attend no longer, for the Presbytery would act partially." 
Presbytery then read the minutes of Paxton Session relating to the matter, and ap- 
proved of the conduct of the Session. Said xlrmstrong was judged to be "a liti- 
gious, contentious person, as appears by the minutes of the Session, by the whole of 
the debate, as also by his conduct in bringing in a paper stuffed with falsehoods 
and slanderous reflections upon the Session of Paxton. Upon the whole we judge 
him worthy of censure, and that he continue under suspension from Church privi- 
leges till he acknowledges his sinful conduct, and profess amendment." It was 
further ordered that a (!opy of this minute be read publicly in the Paxton meeting 
house. 

The minutes of Donegal Presbytery from September 28, 1745, to June 1747, 
a period of one year, eight months and twenty-one days, have been lost. 



24 HISTORY OF THE 



The minutes too from October 9th, 1750, to June 5th, 1759, a period of eight 
years, seven months, and twenty-six days, have been lost. 

September 16th, 1760 Presbytery held a "pro se nata" meeting at Paxton to 
consider a call from Middle Spring to Mr. Carmichael of Brunswick Presbyteiy. 

To resume our sketch of Mr. Elder, we notice that he was one of the most rig- 
idly candid and honest men in his Presbytery. This appears from tiie following 
item of history: A certain Wm. Edmiston had been licensed by Presbytery. 
Mr. Roan, pastor of Derry, protested against the licensure on the ground that the 
examination was by no means satisfactory, referring as much to the examination 
on his experimental acquaintance with religion, as tha' respecting his literary and 
theological attainments. He evidently entertained some misgivings wiih reference 
to Mr. Edmiston's character. Mr. Elder agreed with Mr. Roan and joined him 
in the protest. Mr. Edmiston was licensed notwithstanding their objections. He 
was very much incensed against these two men for objecting. Tliey were decidedly 
able and influential men in the Presbytery and were warm friends. About this 
time, too, tlie Old and New Side controversy was effecting a schism in the Church, 
which broke out with tremendous fury in cjuite a number of the Presbyteries^ 
The main issue of this controversy was, the manner of testing the fitness of candi- 
dates for the ministry and the Lord's table by an examination into religious ex- 
perience. 

In order to avoid injudicious licensures, Messrs. Roan and Elder endeavored to 
i.itroduce a more thorough examination as a permanent standard. Mr. Edniistcn 
construed this as a personal affront. Tlie majority of the Presbytery opposed 
these efforts to raise the standard of licensure, and so far sided with Mr. Edmis- 
ton. Encouraged by this he now raised the cry of persecution in order to secure 
the sympathies and co op -ration of the members of Presbytery. 

October 13th 1763 Mr. Edmiston introduced into open Presbytery at Donegal, a 
charge against Mr. Roan, accusing him of "prevarication and wilful falseliood of 
a pernicious tendency." Many mLmb^rs of the Presbytery, and Mr. Elder among 
them^ at once looked upon 'this charge as without serious foundation. With very 
good reason they interpreted it as simply a partisan thrust at Mr. Roan. This 
was the signal for the ma.shaling of arms. And this case proved cliiefly the oc- 
casion for the members of the Presbytery to range themselves on either side for 
t^iis long, fierce and bitter controversy of the Old and New Side. Mr Elder sided 
warmly with his friend, Mr. Roan. They both adhered to the Old Side. Con- 
ceiving Presbytery did not do justice in this case. Revs. John Elder and John 
Steel June 22nd 1764 in open Presbytery at Derry, declared their intention to 
cease from active membership in the Judicatory, They presented their declina- 
ture in writing, setting forth at large their intentions, with their reasons for such 
a step, and requesting said declinature to be entered in the minutes of Presbytery. 
It is as follows. 

"To the Revi'rend Prtsbytery of Donegal, now sitting at Mr. Roan's meeting 
house in D.rry, the representation of he subscribers humbl}- showetli, that we 
have to our grief observed, that ever si.ice the new modeling of Presbyte- 
ries, nothing but contention and party spirit have prevailed in this Presbytery, to 
the wounding of the interests of Christ's Church, and the dishonoring of religion, 




whereby the hearts of many Christians are saddened and greatly offended. As we 
apprehend, tiie above evils are on the growing hands with little or no probability 
of matters altering for the better. It appears to us that nothing less than forming 
this Presbytery into two will, in any measure, remedy the above grievances, which 
decision we are fully resolved to apply for at the next meeting of Synod in con- 
currence with other brethren of this Presbytery. In the mean time we declare we 
have no peace in our minds, to continue acting members in this Presbytery, till we 
receive the advice and judgment of Synod on said affliir, wherein we hope we shall 
find freedom to acquiesce. We therefore request this Presbytery, to enter on their 
records this oar declinature from sitting and acting till we are favored with the 
Svnod's judgment, still reserving to ourselves a liberty to act as members, if it 
please God to grant us more light and clearness. Subscribed at Derry this 22nd 
day of June 1764." 

This paper was presented by Messrs. Elder and Steel, but signed by four oth- 
ers in addition. Their names are Joiin Beard, Sampson Smith, Joseph Tate, and 
Eobert JNIcMordie. 

Tliough this action of Presbytery more materially affected another, Mr. Eoan 
still, Mr. p:ider's nice, discriminating, delicate sense of justice was outraged, and 
he was the first to project a paper renouncing the jurisdiction of Presbytery. 
Strange to say, ^^Ir. Eoan never signed this paper, but continued his connection 
with the Presbytery. Of those who signed it, all returned to the Presbytery 
sooner or later except Mr. Elder. He never returned. He had done no wrong. 
He had nothing to take back, Presbytery had done wrong, he thought. She 
refused to revoke her action. So long as that action stood upon her minutes 
without being disapproved, so long there existed for his remaining separated 
from Presbytery, the same reason v^hich first induced him to sever his Pres- 
byterial connection. So his sound logic and common sense told him. He could 
not go back consist2ntly wiUi his own past record and convictions of right. His 
clear, stern conscience would not allow him to act inconsistently. So he kept 
aloof; he did right; and his course shamed all his associates who went back. 
Thus is brought to light that uncompromising honor and integxity so necessary to 
round out the full orbed character of the true Christian soldier. He was a grand 
and noble man. 

A little more than three years subsequent to the events we have just been narra- 
ting, on October 14th, 1767, Mr. Eobert ilontgomery presented to Presbytery at 
Middle Spring, an appeal from a judgment of Paxton session. Presbytery 
appointed Mr. Strain to write to Mr. Elder, requesting him and his session to 
attend their next meeting to be held at Derry on the 16th of December following, 
to inquire into Eobert Montgomery's appeal. The 16th of December came ; Pres- 
bytery met at the appointed place; and there in waiting for them was the follow- 
ing laconic and characteristic reply from Mr. Elder ; " Neither I nor any of my 
session choose to appear," 

Mr. Elder as we have seen, left the Presbytery of Donegal, June 22nd, 1764. 
Some time afterward, it is uncertain how long, he united with the second Presby- 
tery of Philadelphia. Such was his influence among his people that he carried 
his Church with him. After the termination of Mr. Eoan's pavStorate, Derry 



26 HISTORY OF THE 

secured the services of Mr. Elder for a part of his time, and again became united 
with Paxton as one pastoral charge. Derry too followed him to the second Pres- 
bytery of Philadelphia. Mr. Roan, the preceding pastor of Derry, died October 
2nd, 1775. It was not until after this time that Derry became again united with 
Paxton, and secured the pastoral services of Mr. Elder. Mr. EId^.r con- 
tinned his connection with the second Presbytery of Philadelphia until the for- 
mation of the Presbytery of Carlisle in May 1786. Wliatever material there may 
be for a history of Paxton and Derry during this interval (1764-1786) must be 
chiefly contained in the minutes of the second Presbytery of Philadelphia. Not 
having been favored with access to those minutes, I cannot give much of a history 
of the religious life of these Churches during this period. Rev. Alfred Nevin, in 
his "Churches of the Valley," p. 264, says: "Paxton and Derry, it would seem, 
were united to the congregation of Donegal in the year 1768, for in the Presby- 
terial records of that date, reference is made to an authentic account produced by 
a commissioner for the congregation of Paxton, Derry and Donegal, from which 
it appeared they were in arrears to the Rev. John Sloan, their pastor. 

Mr. Elder was a pious, conscientious good man, and an able and wise 
preacher, counsellor, and ruler in the Church. This much we have seen. But he 
was more. He was a brave man, and a skillful and judicious oflicer. His pasto- 
rate covered a serious and troublous period. It covered the period of the French 
and Indian war, the border conflict with the Indian, and the ever memorable war 
of independence — the far famed American Revolution. The provincial Gover- 
nor of Pennsylvania appointed him Colonel of the provincial militia whose duty 
it was to defend the border against the Indians. He frequently preached with his 
trusty rifle well charged, close behind him in the pulpit. A gun might perhaps 
be seen here and there among the congregation hanging against the wall on pins. 
Most of the rifles were stacked outside. A solitary sentinel, ever on the alert, 
looking in every direction through the trees, and listening attentively to hear every 
rustle of the leaves and every crack of a dry stick, ready to sound the alarm at 
any moment, walked to and fro upon his beat in front of the stack of arms. 

"On one occasion a party of Indians came down to the river to murder the peo- 
ple of this settlement. They formed a camp in the thicket, back of Mr. Elder's 
mill-dam. They designed falling on the people when at worship in Paxton Church. 
They were supposed to have come on Monday, and after waiting several days, they 
came to the conclusion that the congregation would not assemble, and went off'. 
They left the settlement by the way of Indian town gap. On their way ofFthey mur- 
dered several persons, and took a prisoner from whom it was afterward ascertained 
that they had been encamped here several days." On another occasion an Indian 



* It would be difflf ult to conceive how a greater number of errors couM be crowded into so 
small a space. 1. Paxton was never connected with Bonegal. Throujrh an inadvertency in 
transcribing it is so stated in the minutes lor ITfiS, p. 292. These frw lines (about five) are all 
in the whole volume that could have led Mr. Nevin to make such a mistake. Had the minutes 
been consulted in other places, they would have corrected themselves. Hence, we infer, after 
consulting this point alone in the whole volume, he presumed to write a history of Paxton 
covering that period. 2. Either he or his publisher misread the pa.stor's name. It was not 
John Sloan, but John Roan. No " Rev. John Sloan" was ever pastor of Paxton. Mr. Roan 
himself was never pastor of Paxton, but was pastor of Derry at that time. 3. Had Mr. Nevin 
been at all acquainted with Paxton's history, he would have known that the Rev. John Elder 
was pastor at Paxton at this very period, had been for thirty years previously, and continued 
to be for twenty-two years subsequently. 



PAX TON CHURCH. 27 

spy watched tlie congregation at Paxton Church with a view to bringing in a 
body of Indians upon them. Finding every man armed, he withdrew. 

Mr. Elder was Colonelof that gallant and daring band of youths known as the 
Paxton Rangers, or Paxton Boys.* This body of men was made up chiefly from 
the townships of Paxton and Donegal, and in part of the y( ung men from the 
congregations of Paxton, Derry and Hanover. Many of them were members of 
Mr. Elder's congregation. They ranged the settlements from the Blue mountain 
to the i-iver, and were at once a protection to the settlement, and a terror to the 
Indians. 

PAXTON BOYS. 

This was tliat noble, generous, and chivalrous band, causelessly, unbecoming- 
ly, and thanklessly vilified and slandered bv the whole family of cowirliy Quak- 
ers. They lived on the fat of one of the richest garden sp'rts of the world, slaked 
their thirst at the fresh, sparkling fountains of this beautiful v liey, from Lancaster 
to Philadelphia, and lay them down at night to refreshing slumber:- and sweet rc- 
jiose in c mscious security, becuse between them and all danger, along the extended 
fr.)ntier, stood that living wall of as generous and gallant blood as ever coursed 
through the veins of freemen — a band which would have graced the " Ironsides" 
of Cromwell, or the dashing cavaliers of Prince Ruport. And yet we are told, 
"few, but Quakers, think that the Lancaster Indians suffered anything but their 
ju:t deserts."! Alas, for the decay of gratitude. They saved the Quaker's life. 
The Quaker, almost alone, turns roun 1 and howls '^ murderer ." 

I cannot presume to occupy in this history, the space necessary for a satisfac- 
tor}' and exhaustive account of that celebrated event of the colonial history of 
P.^nnsylvania, known as the 'Paxton Massacre." It is so intima'ely connected 
wiih our history, however, that we cann t pass it by in absolute silence. To do so 
would be injustice to the noble young men of this congregation who took. part in 
it, and who, by some, have been handed down to posterity as murderers. It would 
be injustice to their noble pastor, one of the grandest men of any age or clime, 
their military commander who, from the more conservative standpoint of his re- 
flecting mind and maturer life, exerted himself to the utmost to check the ardent 
ebullition of their youthful blood, and yet saw nothing indefensible in their con- 
duct. 

The first classification of the American Indians is into two great families 
of tribes, Iroquois and Algonquin. The miserable remnant of the so-called 
friendly Indians left at Conestoga in 1763 was mo^t probably a mixture of a great 
num-ier of tribes both of the Iroquois and the Algonquins, and their mongrel off"- 
sping. In 1762 occurred the conspiracy of Pontiac, the most profound and com- 
prehensive Indian plot on record. All the whites in America were to be attacked 
on the same day, and^ doubtless driven into the Atlantic Ocean. Immediatelv 
upon the heels of this followed all the horrors of (he Pennsylvania border wars 
with the Indians. The infernal fnrv of the savage was all let loose. He burned 
the provision, house and barn of the settler, and murdered him and and his family 



* Days' His. Col. Penna, p. 285. 
t Princeton review, vol. 8, p. 672. 



28 HISTORY OF THE 

at the dead hour of night. He crept stealthily upon him and shot hina as he plowed 
in the field or chopped in the forest. As he passed along the road the swift-winged 
messenger of death sped on its fatal errand from some tree, or bush, or rock. The 
mother in the kitchen, preparing the meal for the toiling husband and father, the 
son or daughter at the well, the little two-year-old toddling around the house in 
play, all alike were the victims of the tomahawk and scalping knife. The help- 
lessness of womanhood, and the innocence of childhood were no protection. The 
whole frontier appeared a general blaze. Not an individual was left beyond Car- 
lisle. On both sides of the Susquehanna, for five miles, the woods are filled with 
poor families and their cattle, who makes fires, and live like the savages.* The 
ingenuity displayed in inventing the most excruciating methods of torture, would 
have reflected credit upon a master of the Spanish Inquisitorial art. 

TREACHERY OF THE CONESTOGAS. 

The friendly camp at Conestoga maintained a most suspicious intercourse with 
the hostiles. Mr. John Harris, father of tlie founder of Harrisburg, a peaceable 
and industrious man, who, says Mr. Elder, was the first person to introduce tlie 
plow on the Susquehanna, visited these Indians and gave them pacific counsel. 
Mr. Elder frequently visited the Indians at Conestoga, Pequehan, and Big Island, 
and was much respected by them. He had frequently represented to tlie Christian 
Indians the wrong they were doing to the whites by admitting stranger Indians 
among them: conduct which made them suspected of treachery."! Messrs. Elder, 
Harris, and others did all that could be done to induce the Governor to 
remove the Indians from Conestoga, wlien they saw that the black cloud of Indian 
treachery was about to burst in a furious and fatal storm, over the devoted hef.ds 
of the Conestogas themselves. September 13th, 1763, Mr. Elder wrote to Gover- 
nor Hamilton as follows: "I suggest to you the propriety of an immediate 
removal of the Indians of Conestoga, and placing a garrison in their room. 
In case this is done, I pledge myself for the future security of the frontier."X 
Mr. John Harris writes : " The Indians here, I hope your honor will cause to be 
removed to some place, as I don't like their company. I have this day cut holes 
in. my house, and am determined to hold out to the last extremity."|| The 
Governor, Robert Hunter Harris says, in reply, that he can give the frontiersmen 
no aid whatever, but commends their zeal, and urges them to act with caution and 
spirit." § 

It was the prevailing opinion throughout the settlement, that the murdering, 
marauding Indians were concealed among the Conestogas, and that the Conestogas 
were their spies. A suspicion so universal led to increased watchfulness, and this 
to discovery. A scout reported to Matthew Smith of Paxton, one of the " Ran- 
gers:" "Tom followed the Indians to the Big Island; from thence they went to 



* Princeton review, vol. 8, p. 652. 
tDays' His. Col. p. 278. 
JDays' His. Col. p. 278. 
llPrinc. Rev. vol. 8, p. 654. 
?Princ. Rev. vol. 8, p. 654. 



Conestoga ; as soon as we heard of it, five of us, rode off for the 

village. I left my horse under their care, and cautiously crawled when I could 
get a view ; I saw Indians armed ; they were strangers ; they outnumbered us by 
dozens.''* 

The border war was raging in all its fury. Here were the Conestogas, be- 
yond a doubt, harboring the hostiles. What was to be done? Must they apply 
to the Government ? This had been done repeatedly. Their petitions had been 
disregarded, and they had been spurned with contempt from the presence of the 
Government. Just take care of your own pets ; we ask no favors and no help, is 
the interpretation of Mr. Elder's promise, that if the Indians were removed, he 
would pledge himself " for the future security of the frontier." Even this was 
denied them. The Government was Quaker, and saved nothing for the security 
and prosperity of the Scotch-Irish frontiersmen. It loved the Indians better than 
the flowers of its own subjects who defended them from the Indians. 

The murderers of their friends, their relatives, their brothers and sisters, 
their gray-haired fathers and mothers, were harbored on the manor of Conestoga; 
and the Conestogas were the pets of the Government. It was a clear case in 
which the mother had cast off her child. The Government had cast off her sub- 
jects; the subjects had not rebelled. What must they do? Must they follow the 
example of the Government, and cast off those whom by all means they are 
bound to defend? The gray-haired father and mother lean upon the strong arm 
of their brave and manh^ son for protection. The younger brother, bright fair- 
haired boy — and the sister, the angel of comfort and order, the bright ornament of 
the family circle, put in the strong claim of a brother and sister for defence. The 
young wife, in all the bloom of ripe and beautiful womanhood, who makes his heart 
the home of every joy, and the family hearthstone a little paradise, how lovingly 
she clings to hitii, as with all the tender devotion of a woman's nature, she claims 
his protection. And all the little wee-things, toddlin' round, terrified and alarmed, 
how tenaciously they cling to his finger and coat, as each one pours into his 
ear the plaintive cry, "Father, don't let the Injuns kill us ;" and e'en from the 
cradle conies the sudden startled shriek of alarm for protection. Now imagine, if 
you can, a man amid these surroundings, coolly reply, "Yes, we are strong enough, 
with one bold stroke we could demolish our enemies and give permanent peace 
and security to the settlement— we know well where they are— they are among 
the Conestogas. But the Conestogas are the friends of the Government ; and our 
first allegiance is to the Government— we must let them alone even though they 
kill yoTi." No, the logic of that man's heart, and the purest and noblest affections 
will be : if such criminals are the pets of the Government, the Government must 
be the pet of the devil ; and the sooner we overthrow both, the better for the 
cause of humanity. Laws are to protect the life and property of subjects. The 
laws of this Government are a protection to hostile criminals, and a license to 
murderers and thieves. Fine spun theories about the relation of subjects to Gov- 
ernment, their corresponding obligations, and the great duty of loyalty, are all so 
much sophistical jargon and nonsense here. A man's purest and noblest princi- 

*Sraith's Narrative in Days' His. Col. p. 279. 



30 HISTORY OF THE 

pies will not allow him to be bound in a finely woven mesh like this. He will 
burst through the tangled web of sophistry, and leaving it scattered in a thousand 
shreds behind him, his heaven-born instincts will tell him his duty in a case like 
this. 

DESTRUCTION OF THE CONESTOGA CAMP. 

Is it true that their first allegiance was to such a Government ? Or, was it 
not rather to those wives and cliildren, who, unless this bold stroke was promptly 
made, would soon be murdered or left widows and orphans? Self preservation 
by universal consent is the first law of nature. Self preservation here was 
the destruction of the Conestogas. So thought the Eangers ; and they were 
correct. Far from committing murder, none of them thought their conduct 
was of questionable propriety. Not malice, not revenge, not even a desire to rid 
themselves of the Indians simply ; but, duty, as already shown, impelled them to 
do as they did. No alternative was left. They could only do as they did. This 
is perfectly clear to any unprejudiced mind. And this is the strong point all their 
leaders made in their defense. "What else could we do ?" they ask. "We were 
compelled to do as we did." Captain Lazarus Stewart thrusts into the teeth of 
Governor Penn the charge, that after the representation of thetrue condition of affairs 
given by Messrs. Elder, Harris, Shippen and otliers, the Governor had so plainly 
seen the absolute necessity for removing the Indians, that he promised to do so. 
Yet he never did it. It was plainly a co:ispiracy of the Government against the 
noblest colony of its settlers. It protected the murderers of the settlers in the 
very heart of the settlement, and yet forbade the settlers to chastise them. What 
could they expect from such a Government? What was left but an appeal to 
arms, and the God of justice and of battles? The Rangers, resting their cause 
upon these facts, repudiated with righteous scorn the charge of murderers ; and 
with tlie utmost confidence based upon them their appeal to God, to history, and 
to posterity. Shall history disappoint the confidence of these noble men who have 
grounded their appeal upon so impregnable a foundation ? Nothing was left but 
for them to arm themselves, mount their horses, and make an end of the Conesto- 
gas. This was done by a body of the Rangers variously estimated at from twenty 
to fifty, on the memorable night of Dv^cember 14tli, 1763. Tlie preparatory 
scenes of that night are thus described by one of the historians : "Rifles were loaded, 
horses were in readiness. They mounted; they called on tiieir pastor to lead 
them. He was in the 57th year of his age. Had yon seen him tlien you would 
have beheld a superior being. He had mounted, not to lead them on to destruc- 
tion of Conestoga, but to deter them from the attempt ; he implored tiiem to return, 
he urged them to reflect; 'pause, pause, before you proceed.' It was in vain; 
'the blood of the murdered cries aloud for vengeance ; we have waited long- 
enough on Government; the murderers are within our reach, and they must not 
escape.' Mr. Elder reminded them that the guilty and the innocent could not be 
distinguished." Innocent! can they be called innocent who foster murderers? 
Mr. Elder rode up in front, and said, as your paster, I command you to relinquish 
your design,' 'give way then' said Smith, 'or your horse dies,' presenting his 
rifle ; to save his horse, to which he was mach attached, Mr. Elder drew liim 



PAX TON CHURCH. 31 

aside, and the Rangers were oif on their fatal errand."* From a letter dated Pax- 
tang, December lOth, 1763, written to Governor Penn, it would appear that the 
above narrative of Day is incorrect ; and that Mr. Elder did not meet the Ran- 
gers in person lint livirried after thjm an expresi with a written message, giving 
his protest against their course. Quite a number of the Indians were absent, 
doubtless on marauding expeditions when the Rangers attacked their camp.f 
It was soon afterwards ascertained that a number of the Conestogas had been 
placed for protection in the workhouse in Lancaster. Several of these were noted 
leaders of marauding parties; and one h id murdered "the parent" of one of the 
Rangers. December 17th, 1763, a body of Rangers led by Captain Lazarus 
Stewart hastened to Lancaster and completed the destruction of the Conestogas. 
Their intention was to make prisoners of these Indians, and take the principal 
Indian outlaw to Carlisle jail for safe keeping and for trial. But the Indians, 
having made an effort to escape, were piit to death to a man. No children were 
killed by the Rangers. No acts of savage butchery were committed. 

Mr. Elder, it seems, protested against this second raid also. "A few of us met 
to deliberate; Stewart proposed to go to Lancaster, storm their castle, and carrv off 
the assassin. It was agreed to, the whole plan was arranged. Our clergyman 
did not approve of our proceeding further. He thought everything was accom- 
plished by the destruction of Coujstogue, and advised us to try what we could 
do with the Governor and council. I with the rest was opposed to the measure pro- 
posed by our good pastor. It was painf il for us to act in opposition to his will." 
The Rangers were divided into several companies. Their captains were, Lazarus 
Stewart, Matthew vSmith and Aslier Clayton. Matthew Smith was a member of 
Paxton Church. It is most probable that Capt. Lazarus Stewart was eitlier the son 
or nephew of Lazarus Stewart who was an Elder in the congregation of Manada or 
Hanover, and one of the founders of the Hanover Church. It is possible, he was 
the same person. 

When the news of the destruction of Conestoga reached Philadelphia, Gov- 
ernor Penn issued a proclamation respecting it. Though stilted and pretentious 
in style, it made about as much of an impression upon the province as a snow-flake 
upon the bosom of the sea. All but Quakers sympathized with the Rangers. 

In the midst of the excitement occasioned by this event, Mr. Elder wrote to 
Governor Penn January 27tli, 1764: 

"The storm which had been so long gathering, has at length exploded. Had 
Government removed the Indians from Conestago, which had frequently been ur- 
ged, without success, this painful catastrophe might have been avoided. What 
could I do with men heated to madness? All that I could do, was done; I ex- 
postulated ; but life and reason were set at defiance. And yet the men in private 
life virtuous and respectable; not cruel, but mild, and merciful. 

"Tlie time will come when each palliating circumstance will be calmly weighed. 
This deed magnified into the blackest of crimes, shall be considered as one of 



*Day3' His. Col. p. 278. 

tThe pitiful fling of the crafty Franklin concerning this attack, must be regarded as an 
inaccurate and luitruu representation, born of the artful trickery of one who was at that time 
practicing some of the lowest arts of the politician's craft. 



32 HISTORY OF THE 

those youthful ebullitions of wrath caused by momentary excitement, to which 
human infirmity is subjected." 

The x>rovincial authorities issued two proclamations, offering rewards for the 
actors in this event. As all but Quakers sympathized witli the Eangers, and hearti- 
ly approved of their action, it was impossible to arrest them. So, all the volumin- 
ous thunder of these proclamations wasted itself inside the limits of the Quaker 
settlements. As usual the blood-thirsty proved the cowardly. The Quaker who 
thirsted for the blood of the Kanger, would have been the last man to attempt to 
arrest him. Though a reward of £200 was offered for the ring-leaders, none were 
ever arrested but Lazarus Stewart, and he escaped. 

THE PHILADELPHIA RAID. 

In 1764 the Paxton Boys made a demonstration as far as Germantown, in the 
neighborhood of Philadelphia. The design of this movement, according to the 
legion of Quaker pamphleteers of the day, was to murder all the Indians protected 
by the Government in and around Philadelphia, and to kill all the Quakers. 
This is all false, as a moment's consideration will show. 

First. Unlike the Quakers, the Paxton Boys harbored no vengeance. They 
had destroyed the camp that had endangered their settlement. As they had an- 
ticipated, that event brought permanent peace to the settlement, clearly showing 
that if the Government had removed the Indians, as they had been requested so 
frequently to do, there would have been no difficulty on the border, and no murders 
in the Paxton settlement. So far their purpose was accomplished. All they had 
asked respecting the treacherous Conestogas was their removal. Why then would 
they go out of their way to kill Indians who could do them no harm. And as for 
the abusive and cowardly Quakers, they did not consider them worth such a waste 
of ammunition. 

Secondly. To fiave rushed into the city of Philadelphia for the accomplish- 
ment of such large designs with the mere handful of men in Germantown, would have 
been such rashness as the Paxton Boys were not guilty of With all their bold 
and noble daring, they were not fool-hardy. Their plans were laid with such 
consummate skill, as always to secure successful results. And they accomplished 
their end here, as we shall presently see. 

Thirdly. Had such been their design, with the strong sympathy of the en- 
tire frontier, they could have raised several thousand men just as easily as the 
two hundred then at Germantown. The intense alarm of the Quakers, and the 
knowledge that they richly deserved the full vengeance of the Paxton Boys, led 
them to attribute to the Rangers such fell designs. 

The true design of the Rangers was far more practical. Poclamatious had been 
issued against them, and rewards offered for them. But for this the timid Quak- 
ers would have been saved all their fright. The Rangers made this demon- 
stration. They marched a small body of troops, variously estimated at from five 
hundred to fifteen hundred, across the province, from the border almost to the very 
limits of Philadelphia. This taught the government two lessons. First, that the 
Rangers would meet no opposition from the great body of the settlers. Secondly, 
that they would everywhere meet the most hearty sympathy and approval ; and be 



PAX TON CHURCH. 33 

hailed as the valiant defenders of the border, who had blessed the settlements with 
a new era of peace. This brought the government to terms. Yesterday, they in- 
tended to execute all the leaders. To-day, they treat with one of those leaders, 
Captain Matthew Smith, at Germantown. The Quakers still vehemently protest, 
and insist "that the soldiers ought to exterminate such infamous wretches." The 
government, however, learned a lesson of prudence from this demonstration. 
Many of the very men who had recently clamored for the blood of the Rangers, 
with Dr. Franklin at their head, in their negotiations with Captain Smith, consent 
that this "ring-leader of the Rangers, along with James Gibson, be received into 
the city as commissioners for the borderers, and be allowed a respectful hearing upon 
the whole subject of border grievances. The Rangers have now completely accom- 
plished their end. After the termination of these negotiations, they enter the city, 
go to the barracks and see the Indians, ride around and view the city, take a good 
laugh over the monstrous scare they have given the Philadelphians ; and then 
leaving Smith and Gibson to transact all further business, they leisurely begin 
their homeward march. And now the ring-leader, upon whose head a reward had 
been set, walks the streets of the Quaker city in broad day light, and no man dare 
lay hands on him. Nay more, he even makes bold to tell the Government plainly 
of its injustice, and of the wrongs which were heaped upon the settlers, and Gov- 
ernment hangs its head in shame and listens to the lecture. What more could the 
Rangers desire than this ? Has not their end been accomplished ? 

It is impossible adequately to describe the intense excitement and consterna- 
tion in Philadelphia while the Rangers were in the vicinity. Here is but one 
among many instances of the terror of the people. February 5th, 1764, early in 
the morning an alarm was given. The Paxton Boys were coming down Second 
street. Multitudes rushed to the barracks. Even Quakers bewildered by the in- 
tense alarm, had exchanged their creed for old rusty fire-locks. The command to 
the artillery to open their rude, fiery and destructive throats upon the enemy, was 
already quivering on the lips of the cool and gallant Captain Loxlej'. Just in 
time to save their valuable lives, the enemy was discovered to be a company of 
mounted butchers from Germantown, already armed, and coming in hot haste to 
help defend the mighty Quaker city, against that formidable army of a corporal's 
guard of cavalry, without a single bombshell or a siege gun, and some miles dis- 
tant from the city. 

It is difficult to perceive how any one, in the face of the plain facts in the 
case, can doubt that the Rangers were justifiable in the destructiou of the camp at 
Conestoga. Some of these men stood in the very forefront of the community. 
They were higlily intelligent and virtuous men of commanding influence, and 
consistent Christian men withal. They performed well the duties of their position in 
the family, in society, and in the Church. They were good citizens and loyal 
subjects. 

They did not consider themselevs a cruel band of banditti. They repudiated 
with scorn the charge of being murderers ; and, with intelligence, calmness and 
reason, made a most confident appeal to God and to history, to vindicate their 
purity and integrity in both heart and life. Smitli and Stewart could both speak 



34 HISTORY OF THE 

and write with no mean ability. Stewart's declaration * in his defense reminds one 
forcibly of the speech of the celebrated Robert Emmett, a young Irish barrister, made 
in his own defence. It is both vigorous and eloquent. It reflects the purity of 
the man's heart; and it is a thorough vindication of his inflexible integrity and 
regard for justice, and his consummate bravery as well. It is replete with moral 
as well as physical courage. 

Neither did the great body of the settlers, either Scotch-Irish or German, re- 
gard them as lawless banditti, They sympathized with the Rangers, approved 
their course, and fully justified it. The looked upon them as the brave defenders 
who had delivered the settlements from the Indians, doubly treacherous and re- 
vengeful during these border wars, because of their intense exasperation and dis- 
appointment, over the defeat of the conspiracy of Pontiac. 

From Mr. Elder's position, it would perhaps have been inexpedient for him to 
have led the Rangers on their fatal errand that memorable December night; es- 
pecially as it was rendered wholly unnecessary by the thorough competency of 
his accomplished captains. Smith and Stewart. But why he":felt constrained to 
dissuade them from the execution of their design is difficult to see, except that 
his personal attachment to themselves and their families was so great, that he did 
not like to see them embark in an adventure which so endangered their lives. 
In so far as the grand principles of right, duty, and justice are concerned it is im- 
possible to see why he could not lead them that night with as clear a conscience, 
and as clear a conviction that he was doing his duty, as ever a commander car- 
ried with him, when he led his troops to battle and to victory. Nobly doing 
right and duty as were these Rangers, they deserved far better than the half-way 
vindication they received even at the hands of their good pastor. 

They were guilty of no dire crime. Nor can they any more justly be charged 
with youthful indiscretion, or an unfortunate ebullition of youthful wrath or 
blood, " caused by temporary excitement." The ample proof of this is that there 
is not the slightest evidence, nor the slightest occasion to think, that a single one 
of these men ever afterwards expres.sed regret for the bloody^ but necessary, work 
of that night. They gloried in it as a duty they owed their gray., haired fathers 
and mothers, their wives and children, and their fair sisters ; as the necessary and 
decisive stroke which broke the power of their enemy, and proved the harbinger 
of peace to the distracted settlement. They would have done it again. From the 
14th to the 27th of December none faltered. Some of the same men who made 
an ash-heap of Conestoga on the nigiit of the 14th were in Lancaster on the 27th. 
Nor did they afterwards regret it. Smith in his narrative does not regret it. In 
his bold appearance in the presence of the Government and the Quakers in Phila- 
delphia he does not regret it. So far from it, he fearlessly thrusts the whole blame 
on the Quaker who cared nothing for the life of his noble brother on the frontier, 
and the partial, unfaithful, and inactive Government which failed'^to" remove the 
treacherous Indians even after repeated requests, and serious warnings of the dan- 
gers impending over them. Stewart in his memorable declaration, establishes the 
justice of his cause, and never once regrets his course. Though a disagreeable and 



*Days' His. Col. p. 28(1. 



PAX TON CHURCH. 35 

severe task, it was a duty, and tlieir consciences were clear. It will not do to an- 
swer these were hard-hearted and cruel men who cared nothing for right and duty. 
We have already learned better. 

These heroes needed no extenuating, palliating, white- washing, half-way defen- 
ces, making scape-goats of human infirmities ; no, not even from their venerable 
pastor. Not needing them, they were grateful to no one for them. On the other 
hand, with all their heart, they repudiated them with scorn and disdain. They pre- 
ferred to stand, as they did stand, on the dignity of their manhood, the inflexibla 
integrity of their character, and the spotless justice of their cause. The man 
whose conscience is so tender that he cannot fully justify their course, had better 
let their defence alone. They would neither be satisfied with it, nor thankful for 
it. 

Their course is not often or lightly to be imitated it is true. Its justification is 
the circumstances of that period marked by the border wars. A distractino- and 
troublous time, to which was added oft-repeated and the grossest provocations on 
the part .of their own Government, affording the strongest of reasons, made it a 
duty for the Eangers to do what it does not often become the duty of men to do. 
Had they failed to discharge this duty, they 'would have proven recreant to the 
higher trusts God had committed to their care, the lives and fortunes of their fam- 
ilies and relatives, which imposed upon them obligations a thousandfold stronger 
than any which bound them to a traitorous and merciless Quaker Government. 
If it was wrong for the Kangers to exterminate the Conestogas, it would be wrong 
for a man to kill the midnight assassin or robber, who had stealthily made his way 
through locks and bolts, and bars to his bed-side. It may be replied, the Indians 
had not yet broken into the houses of the settlers. No, but they are known mur- 
derers and robbers. They murder and steal in some house nearly every night. 
The authorities will neither arrest nor remove them ; so, each settler felt that the 
murder of himself and family was only a question of time. It may be a week 
hence. It may be to-night. Either he, with his wife and children, must die ; or, 
the Indians must die, which it would be depended on who got the first fire. With 
such a feeling night after night, how could the Ranger lay him down to rest in 
peace, or feel that he had discharged his daty to that wife and those little ones, till 
he has first mounted his horse, galloped to Conestoga, and shot his Indian. He 
might be so generous that rather than attack the Indians, he would abide his 
time and become a victim to Indian treachery and cruelty. But he had no right 
to sacrifice the lives of his family. To do so would argue a love for the Indian 
exceeding that for wife and children. To do so would prove him as merciless 
and cruel as the Quaker. Only one whose" life, or whose range of study and ob- 
servation at least, has extended over the most troublous periods of human life and 
history, knows how to appreciate a state of society and affairs, in which a system 
of regulation may become absolutely necessary, and righteous before God and 
man. Such an one knows that a desperate case requires a desperate remedy. If 
still the mental and moral organism is so delicate and sensitive that it must and 
will scent blood, and from certain quarters there comes nothing but the perpetual 
howl of murder! murder murder ! then by all means, let the foul stigma of murder 
attach where it belongs, and dash the murderous blood of the treacherous Indian 



36 HISTORY OF THE 

thick and fast all over the Quaker Government. But that a single drop of it shall 
belaid to the charge of these noble Rangers, misrepresented, maligned, and per- 
secuted all through history, in the name of justice I protest. They confidently 
demanded and expected of history a complete and thorough vindication. Until 
this righteous demand is complied with, history will never render an impartial 
verdict in this case, nor do justice to the memory of that noble band who, with so 
little thought of self, braved the most imminent danger in the discharge of stern 
duty. History owes them no less ; and cei-tainly, the payment of the debt has 
already been long enough delayed. It is to be regretted that the name of a single 
hero of that company has been lost. Their names should be inscribed high up 
upon the immortal roll of honor of Pennsylvania's best and noblest sons. 

CARLISLE PRESBYTERY. 

In the life and history of the Church proper we left Mr. Elder in the Second 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, when he was just about to make his next transition. 

In May 1786, the Old Presbytery of Donegal was re-formed. Out of part of 
it were formed the Presbyteries of Baltimore and Carlisle. On the 17th of Octo- 
ber following, the Presbytery of Carlisle met for the tirst time at Lower Marsh 
Creek. At this meeting Mr. Elder came into the Presbytery from the Second 
Presbytery of Philadelphia, bringing with him his congregations of Paxton and 
Derry. His history and that of the two Churches are henceforth identified with 
that of Carlisle Presbytery. 

PAXTON CHURCH. 

Thursday, April 12th, 1787, during the sessions of the Presbytery at Carlisle, 
a representation and petition of a number of the inhabitants of Harrisburg and 
others in the township of Paxton, was laid before Presbytery and read. The said 
representation sets forth that these people desire to be considered as a Presbyteri- 
an Congregation, and to have supplies appointed them by the Presbytery ; and 
that in order to promote peace and harmony between them and the Paxton con- 
gregation, some proposals had been made to, and considered, though not accepted 
by that congregation, a copy of which was also laid before the Presbytery. Mr. 
Elder, also gave a representation of the state of the case as concerning these peo- 
ple and Paxton congregation. The Presbytery, upon considering the case, agreed 
to propose the following articles to the consideration and acceptance of those peo- 
ple, which may have a tendency to preserve peace and union in that part of thg 
Church : 

1. That Harrisburgh shall be considered as the seat of a Presbyterian 
Church, and part of the charge of the Rev. John Elder, in wliich he is to preach 
one third of his time. 

2. That Mr. Elder's salary, promised by the congregation of Paxton, shall 
be continued and paid by the congregation in common, who shall adhere to these 
two places of worship, viz: Paxton and Harrisburgh. 

3. That the congregation thus united may apply for and obtain supplies as 
assistant to the labors of Mr. Elder, to be paid by the congregation in common.' 



PAX TON CHURCH. 37 

4. That when the congregation may judge it proper, they shall have a right 
to choose and call a minister as a colleague with Mr. Elder, to officiate in rotation 
with him. 

"Dr. Davidson and Mr. Waugh are appointed to attend at the Church in 
Lower Paxton on the last Tuesday in May next, to moderate and assist in the 
above matter." 

June 19th, 1787, Dr. Davidson and Mr. Waugh reported to Presbytery at 
Big Spring that their appointment at Paxton had been fulfilled, and that the fol- 
lowing articles had been agreed to by Mr. Elder, his congregation, at Harris- 
burg : 

1. That the congregation shall have two stated places of public worship, 
the one where the Rev. Mr. Elder now officiates, the other in Harrisburg. 

2. That the Rev. John Elder shall continue to have and receive during his 
life or incumbency, all the salary or stipends that he now enjoys, to be paid by his 
present subscribers, as he and they may ^fcee, and continue his labors in Derry 
as usual. 

3. That for the present the congregation may apply to the Presbytery for 
supplies, which when obtained, the expenses shall be defrayed by those who do 
not now belong to Mr. Elder's congregation, and such as may think proper to join 
with them ; and should such supplies be appointed when Mr. Elder is to be in 
Paxton, then he and the supplj' shall preach in rotation, the one in the country, 
and the other in town. But should Mr. Elder be in Derry, then the supplies 
shall officiate in town. 

4. That the congregation when able, or they think proper, may invite and 
.settle any regular Presbyterian Minister they or a majority of them may choose 
and can obtain, as a co-Pastor with Mr. Elder, who shall officiate as to preaching 
in the manner specified'in the 3d proposal. 

Mr. Elder continued a member of Carlisle Presbytery until his death ; but 
was seldom present at its meetings, in consequence of the constantly increasing 
infirmities of advancing years. From this time until he resigned his charge in 
1791, Presbytery frequently appointed supplies to assist him in his large and im- 
portant field. 

On the 13th of April 1791, at Mr. Elder's request, by a letter forwarded to 
Presbytery at Middle Spring, that body dissolved his pastoral relation with Pax- 
ton and Derry. Thus was closed a useful and eventful pastorate, covering a period 
of over fifty-two years. * ' He died July 17th, 1792, only fifteen months after he 
resigned his charge at the advanced age of eighty-six years. He was seventy 
years of age when the Revolutionary War began. Dear, good, great, brave, 
grand old man, scarcely had he laid aside his armor, and dropped the mantle of 



* Mr. Elder's tombstone says, he officiated at Paxton 56 years. Other sources say, 60 
years. These are incorrect. He came into the Presbytery of Donegal as a licentiate from the 
Presbytery of New Castle, October 5th, 1737. He died July 17th, 1792. So he only lived 54 
years, 8 months and 12 days after coming into Donegal Presbytery. But he was not Pastor of 
Paxton the whole of this time, He was ordained and installed Pastor of Paxton December 
22d, 17.S8. The pastoral relation was dissolved April 13th, 1791. His pastorate covered 52 
years, 3 months and 21 days. He preached as a supply at Paxton some months before he be- 
t'ftnie Pastor. 



38 HISTORY OF THE 

his ever memorable pastorate, when, full of years, and full of labors, he was 
numbered with his fathers ; and he was not, for God took him ; in an age of va- 
cillation and compromise like the present, would that the watch-towers of Zion 
were manned by many such noble, inflexible, uncompromising, bold soldiers of 
the cross, as the Eev. John Elder. 

April 11th, 1792, at Chambersburg, Harrisburg, Paxton and Derry present- 
ed a supplication to Presbytery "requesting liberty to apply to the Presbytery of 
Philadelphia for a further hearing of Mr. Cathcart, and for a further hearing 
of Mr. Greer, and for supplies, and for Mr. Greer in particular." 

MR. SNOWDEN'y PASTOEATE. 

On Wednesday, October 3d, 1792, the United Congregations of Derry, Pax- 
ton, and Harrisburg presented a supplicaton to Presbytery at Lower Marsh Creek 
for supplies, for Mr. Greer particularly. They also asked permission to apply to 
the Presbytery of Philadelphia for tfife labors of Mr. Nathaniel R. Snowden. 
This request was granted. 

April 10th, 1793, Mr. Snowden was received into Presbytery at Carlisle as a 
probationer from the Presbytery of Philadelphia. A call was i)resented to Mr. 
Snowden through Presbytery from the congregations of Harrisburg, Paxton and 
Derry, each congregation engaging to pay him annually the sum of £50; and Mr. 
Snowden declared his acceptance of it. October 1st, 1793 Presbytery met at 
Paxton. On the following day Mr. Snowden was ordained, and installed Pastor of 
the United congregations of Paxton, Derry, and Harrisburg. Mr. M'Pherrin 
preached the sermon, and Dr. King presided and delivered the charge. 

October 7th, 1795, at Lower Marsh Creek, Mr. Snowden applied to Presby- 
tery for liberty to resign his pastoral charge of the congregation of Derry. A 
commissioner apjieared from said congregation, and declared their consent that 
Mr. Snowden'p request should be granted; but Paxton congregation, another part 
of Mr. Snowden's charge, requested by letter that nothing decisive should be done 
in the matter at present, but that a committee be appointed to inquire into the cir- 
cumstances of the case. Presbytery, after deliberating on the matter, appointed 
Dr. Davidson and Messrs. Waugh and Cathcart a committee to meet at Paxton 
Church on Tuesday the 3d of November next, at 11 a. m. to hear all the parties 
concerned, and to issue the whole business as circumstances may appear; and also 
to appoint supplies in case Mr. Snowden should be released from any part of his 
charge. The parties concerned are ordered to meet the committee by commis- 
sioners at said time and place. The Clerk was directed to furnish the parties with 
a copy of the above minute. 

November 3d, 1795, this committee met at Paxton agreeably to the order of 
Presbytery. Dr. Davidson was called to the Chair, and Mr. Cathcart was appoint- 
ed Clerk. All the papers relative to the business were laid before the committee; 
and commissioners from each congregation were heard at considerable length. 
The committee then resolved that Mr. Snowden's labors at Derry be discontinued, 
and said congregation be released from their obligation of paying him salary from 
the present time; that he continue to officiate at Paxton as formerly, and the rest 



PAX TON CHURCH. 39 

of his time at Harrisburg until the next meeting of Presbytery ; at which time 
the congregations of Harrisburg and Paxton are desired to signify to Presbytery 
their sentiments with regard to their present union in order that the business 
may be finally issued. The committee reported their action to Presbytery at 
Big Spring. 

April 12th, 1796, on the following day the commissioner from Derry arrived. 
Presbytery resumed the consideration of Mr. Snowden's connection with Derry, 
read addresses from the congregations of Paxton and Harrisburg, and heard their 
commissioners. From the representations made upon this subject it appeared : 

1. That both Mr. Snowden and tlie Derry people still desire the relation be- 
tween them to be dissolved agreeably to their former request. 

2. That the Paxton people, by a considerable majority, have declared their 
determination to hold a connexion with Derry, and separate from Harrisburg ; 
and petition to have the pastoral relation between Mr. Snowden and themselves 
dissolved. 

3. That the Harrisburg congregation declare their willingness to continue 
their relation with Mr. Snowden, in connection with Paxton, or with both Paxton 
and Derry or by themselves ; and that they will put forth their best efforts for his 
comfortable support. To this Mr. Snowden fully consented except with regard to 
Derry. 

"Upon serious consideration Presbytery judged that the pastoral relation be- 
tween Mr. Snowden and the congregations of Paxton and Derry should be dis- 
solved — and it is hereby dissolved;" and he is, henceforth, the pastor of Har- 
risburg only. This pastorate lasted only about two years and six months. Har- 
risburg is a daughter of Paxton, had been a preaching point during Mr. Elder's 
pastorate, but now for the first time became a distinct and separate charge and 
attained her full majority, (April 13th, 1796), and Mr. vSnowden was her first pas- 
tor. 

From this time the pulpits of Paxton and Derry were filled with a commend- 
able degree of constancy and regularity by supplies appointed by Presbytery. 
Presbytery was now generally well furnished with a goodly number of licentiates 
seeking permanent charges, who were well suited for this work. So there was no 
necessity for any congregation remaining long vacant. Out of the number of li- 
centiates sent to supply the vacant Churches, these Churches very generallv soon 
found a pastor. 

MR. WILLIAMS' PASTORATE. 

October 2d, 1798, at Upper West Conococheague, (Mercersburg), a call from 
each of the congregations of Paxton and Derry to Mr. .Joshua Williams was pre- 
sented and read to Presbytery. Derry was to have two-thirds of his time, and 
to pay him annually £120; Paxton, one third, and to pay annuiflly £60. Mr. 
Williams took these calls under consideration. 

April 10th, 1799, at Carlisle, Mr. Williams signified to the Presbytery his ac- 
ceptance of the calls from Paxton and Derry. 

October 1st, 1799, Presbytery met at Derry, and heard and sustained Mr. 



40 BISTORT OF THE 

Williams' popular sermon from 1 Peter 2: 2. "As new-born babes desire the 
sincere milk of the Word." On the following day he was ordained, and installed 
Pastor of Paxton and Derry. Mr. Cathcart preached the sermon from 1 Cor. 4: 
2. "Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be foimd faithful." Mr. 
Waugh presided and gave a charge. 

June 30th, 1801, a pro-re-nata meeting of Presbytery was held in Carlisle. 
The meeting was called in the interest of Rev. Joshua Williams, to take into con- 
sideration some matters of uneasiness that has arisen in one of his congregations, 
which he considered sufficient ground for the dissolution of his pastoral relation. 
Presbytery proceeded at once to hear Mr. Williams at full length on the grounds 
of his uneasiness, and the reason for his application for a dissolution of the pasto- 
ral relation. Robert Robeson and Robert Moody, commissioners from Derry, 
were also called upon to declare whether the congregation, having had due notice 
of his design, acquies(!ed in Mr. Williams' request. They replied " that they had 
nothing to object, as Mr. Williams appeared to be so unhappy in his present con- 
nection, that he was not likely to be any longer useful or comfortable." 

Paxton had no commissioner present. But Mr. Waugh informed the Presby- 
tery^that he had cited that congregation to attend at this meeting ; and that he 
was authorized by them to declare their acquiescence in whatever may be done 
with respect to the other part of Mr. Williams' charge. Presbytery judged there 
were sufficient reasons for this request, and accordingly dissolved the existing re- 
lation with both congregations. This pastorate lasted only one year and eight 
months. 

October 6th, 1802, before Presbytery at Carlisle, Rev. Joshua Williams and 
commissioners from Paxton and Deny were heard fully on some arrears of salary 
which he contended he was justly entitled to, and which the congregations con- 
sidered themselves justifiable in with-holding. Presbytery judged the pleas of 
the commissioners unsatisfactory, and that the salary should be paid up, a^reeablv 
to the original stipulation, until the time that the pastoral relati<m of Mr. Wil- 
liams with that people was dissolved. 

October 5th, 1803, at Middle Spring, Mr. Williams represented to Presbytery 
that Paxton and Derry had not yet paid their salary arrears. The Moderator was 
appointed to write to them stating, " that if these arrearages are not discharged 
before the next meeting of Presbytery," Presbytery "will be under the disagree- 
able necessity of with-holding from them that attention and regard which 
they pay to the Churches under their care." After the pastorate of Mr. Williams, 
Paxton and Derry were vacant nearly six years. During this long interval, 
they were dependent on Presbytery for supplies. 

September 24th, 1805, at Carlisle, Presbytery granted permission to Paxton 
and Derry to prosecute a call for Mr. Hutchinson, then a licentiate under the 
care of Huntingdon Presbytery. Whether this call was ever presented, or Mr. 
Hutchinson deoRned it is impossible to tell. No further mention is made of it ; 
and representatives of the congregations appeared at Presbytery the next Fall 
with a call for another man. The next day, September 25th, 1805, Presbytery 
having received assurances from some of the leading members of Paxton that the 



PAX TON CHURCH. 41 



salary arrears due Mr. Williams from them would shortly be paid up, consented to 
grant them supplies for the ensuing Winter. 

September 23d, 1806, before Presbytery at Carlisle a call was presented from 
Derry to Mr. James R. Sharron promising the sum of £120 per annum for two- 
thirds of his time. A call from Paxton was also presented to Mr. Sharron at the 
same time in connection with Derry promi?.ing £60 per annum for one-third of 
his time. Mr. Sharron took them into consideration. On the following day, 
September 24th, 1809, Mr. Sharron declared his acceptance of these calls. 

April 14th, 1807, Presbytery met at Lower Marsh Creek and was opened by 
Mr. Sharron with his popular sermon for ordination from Galations 5:6. " For 
in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but 
faith which worketh by love." The sermon was sustained. After a satisfactory 
examination, Mr. Sharron was ordained. Mr. P. Davidson preac'ned a sermon 
from 2 Cor. 2:15. " For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in thgrn that 
are saved and in them that perish." Mr. Denny presided and gave the charge. 
On Friday, May 29th, 1807, Mr. Sharron was installed by a committee of Pres- 
bytery, consisting of Messrs. Snodgrass, Herron and Brady. Mr. Brady preach- 
ed the sermon, and Mr. Herron presided. 

MR. SHARRON'S PASTORATE. 

During the period from 1808-9, considerable repairing was done to the " Meet- 
ing House," and the " Retiring House," at an expense of over £109. The " Re- 
tiring House" was a small building used for meetings of Session, and as a study 
by the pastor during the interval between the morning and tlie afternoon service. 
In 1812, a new roof was put on the wall around the grave-yard. Among the 
names of the subscribers to these different objects are : Rutherford, Elder, Gray, 
Walker, M'Clure, Cowden, Gilchrist, Foster, Sherrer, Wilson, Chamberlain, 
Crouch, Espy, Fulton, Cochran, Stephens, Wiggans, Calhoun, Simpson, Whitley, 
Carson, Ritchey, Ross, Burd, Larned, Awl, Allison, Hattou, Patton, Stewart, 
Hayes, and others. Many of these names are still familiar in the congi'egation. 
Many more are familiar to those who have often read the inscriptions upon the 
tomb-stones which mark the last resting place of the sacred dust that is treasured 
up in the old Paxton grave-yard. 

Mr. Sharron's pastorate continued until his death, which occurred April 15th, 
1843. This pastorate covered nearly thirty-six years, and was the longest in Pax- 
ton's history except Mr. Elder's. It was one so marked by quietude and peace as 
to be very unfruitful of history. There seems to have been no material distur- 
bance in his charge during this entire period. Mr. Sharron was a quiet, unob- 
trusive man, beloved and trusted by his brethren. He received his share of the 
favors of Presbytery without display, and bore his share of the burdens without 
complaint. His character and disposition so perfectly combined the two im- 
portant traits of justice and clemency, that he was frequently selected by Presby- 
tery to perform the delicate task of reconciling serious differences springing up in 
congregations, either between different portions of the congregations themselves 
or between the congregations and the Presbytery. In such cases, the course he 
recommended was generally pursued, with but little deviation. 



42 



HISTORY OF THE 



October 4th, 1843, at McConnellsburg Presbytery received a letter from the 
congregation of Paxton, requesting leave to obtain the services of the Rev. John 
M. Boggs, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Donegal, for the ensuing six months. 
This request was granted. 

April 9th, 1844, at Shippensburg, a call from the congregations of Paxton 
and Derry for Mr. Boggs was presented to Presbytery. It was found in order, 
and was ordered to be put on file until the way be opened for putting it into the 
hands of Mr. Boggs. 

October 1st, 1844, Presbytery met at Paxton. Mr. Boggs presented a dis- 
mission from the Presbytery of Donegal, and was received as a licentiate under 
the care of Presbytery. The call from Paxton and Derry was put into his hands. 
He signified his acceptance and requested that his ordination be postponed to the 
next stated meeting of Presbytery, in order to allow him with the consent of the con- 
gregations, the opportunity to attend Princeton Theological Seminary during the 
Winter. This request was granted. 



MR. BOGGS' PASTORATE. 

April 9th, 184-5, at Newville, Presbytery ordained Mr. Boggs. Mr. W atson 
preached the sermon. Mr. Moody presided and propounded the constitutional 
questions ; Mr. M'Ginley gave the charge to the candidate. Messrs. Morris and 
Murray were appointed a committee to install Mr. Boggs at discretion. 

October 6th, 1847, this pastoral relation was dissolved. This brief and un- 
eventful pastorate presents nothing worthy of special notice. 



MR. MITCHELL'S PASTORATE. 



September 28th 1849, Presbytery met at Upper church, Perry county. "A call 
was presented to the Presbytery on the part of the United Congregations of Der- 
ry and Paxton, asking for the pastoral services of Andrew D. Mitchell, the con- 
gregation of Derry promising him as a compensation the sum of two hundred 
dollars, and the congregation of Paxton the sum of three hundred dollars in yearly 
payments." Mr. Mitchell accepted this call. April 9th, 1850, he ilelivered before 
Presbytery at Paxton his trial sermon for ordination from Rom. 8 : 1. "There is 
therefore, now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk no* 
after the flesh, but after the Spirit." On the following day, (April 10th), Mr. 
Mitchell was ordained. "Dr. Moody preached a sermon from 1 Cor. 2:1-3. "And 
I, brethren, when 1 came unto you, came not with excellency of speech or of wis. 
dom, declaring unto ,vou the testimony of God. For I determined not to know 
anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.-! And I was with.^ou 
in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling." Rev. George D. Porter pre- 
sided, proposed the constitutional questions, made the ordaining prayer, and gave 
the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Robert .Johnston^delivered the charge to the 
pastor ; and Rev. O. O. McClean gave the cliarge to the people. This pastoral 
relation was dissolved February 12th, 1874. 



PAX TON CHURCH. 43 



PKESENT PASTOEATE. 

The call to the present pastorate was made out November 24th, 1874. It was 
presented before Presbytery at Duncannon and accepted April 13th, 1875. The 
installation took place on Thursday, April 29th, 1875. Rev. Daniel Pacfie preached 
a sermon from Philip 3 : 13. "But this one thing I do." Rev. T. H. Robinson, 
D. D., presided, proposed the constitutional questions, and delivered both the 
charges. 

It is well known that for a number of years this hoary sentinel of truth has 
been undergoing great depletion by emigration. It is the same melancholy and 
fatal process which has bled to death her neighboring sisters of Hanover and 
Deny. Her sons and daughters, in a continuous stream, have been going far 
hence. Their places are supplied by good people, but of a different name. Their 
houses and lands are occupied, but alas, their places in the dear old church are 
not. And their vacant seats remain the sad memorials of lost treasures — lost to 
us for a season — but not for an instant lost to God, or to His church ; for the limits of 
that church exceed those of old "Paxtang Meeting-house" And many a gem of 
Paxton Presbyterianism has taken root, and grown up with fresh beauty, vigor 
and power, over our western plains and in our western cities. 

Such is a brief sketch of the history of old Paxton. She has numbered hon- 
ored and influential men among her pastors. The difficulties incident to the 
age in which some of them lived were great. Some of the ablest and leading 
spirits of that early day were kept in check, and the wheels of progress well nigh 
fast locked through a lack of intelligent sympathy and co-operation. Such things 
are necessarily incidental to the development of a new field. Had all our fathers 
been as a few we have named we cannot estimate what the rapidity of the Church's 
progress might have been. In the face of the opposition with which they had to 
contend, it is a marvel of diligent perseverance and faithful endurance, that they 
accomplished so much. 

In the heavy mists of age the bad and the obscure are lost. It is only the 
strong, bright light that breaks through that mist, and reaches down to us. Hence, 
so many superficial observers can see only good in the days of old, and only evil, 
in the present. I have not suffered my vision to be obscured by the fascinations, 
charms and mists of the olden time. I have tried to tell the simple truth. I 
have commended the virtues of our fathers. I have not hesitated to let in the 
clear day light of truth upon their faults. I am not of the number of those 
who think everything good died with the days of old, and that the present 
age is doomed for the dogs and the devil. On the contrary I maintain that in 
spite of all that is amiss in it, this is the grandest age that either world or Chui-ch has 
ever known ; and I expect the next to be grander still. I believe God has a pur- 
pose rolling down through the centuries, silently but progressively, and that it 
will continue to roll on, until it has attained to its full dimensions, and accom- 
plished its end. In my humble opinion, the history of American Presbyterian- 
ism is but fairly begun. It has all these years been only climbing up, and has 
but just reached the platform, from which it must take a new survey of wider 
range, and over more extended plains, and eagerly push on to the rapid, succes- 



44 HISTORY OF THE 

sive and successful accomplishment of grander deeds. I can join most heartily 
in that universal chorus which swells throughout our land, and thank God our 
fathers were as good, noble and great as they were, if you will only allow me to 
add, I would wish they had been better still. I believe in a past perfection no 
more than in a present one. Sanctification was then, as it is now,, a progressive 
work. 

What is left for us is perpetually to invoke the choicest blessings of high heav- 
en, that their sons may be better, greater, noble men than our fathers were, and 
better know, love and serve our fathers' God. Then, largely through the influence 
of American Presbyterianism, and especially the sanctity with which she guards 
the American Sabbath, throughout the world it shall be known that ours is the land 
whose God is the Lord. One of the greatest victories yet achieved, and largely 
through the influence of American Presbyterianism, has been gained in this cen- 
tennial year, and in the same noble city whose honored bells first rang out in 
clarion notes the liberty peal of 1776. It was the victory over a Continental Sab- 
bath. A new campaign has but just begun ; and this is only one of a series of 
still grander and more glorious victories which lie not far beyond. 

Then, let us gird up onr loins for the conflict. Liberty's star, both civil and 
religious, is in the ascendant, and has well nigli reached its zenith. Her Goddess 
has passed on to the front, and is leading the van ; and as soon as the roar of the 
guns is hushed, and the smoke cleared up from the battle-plain, the victors palm 
shall be placed in our hand, and the crown of triumph shall drop upon our brow. 



OUR P^ATHERS' CALL TO WORSHIP. 

Come linger near these sacred walls. 
And listen to the many calls. 
That come from 'neath yon broken sod; 
" This is our Betliel ; worship God." 

These stones stand guard o'er sacred dust, 
Here lie the righteous and the just, 
Who came up to this mount of old, 
Communion with their God to hold. 

Good news from heaven did here engage. 
The serious thought of ripe old age ; 
And this old sentinel of truth 
Guarded the steps of blooming youth. 

The droppings of God's holy Word 
They pondered deeply as they heard. 
Their solemn quiet was not fear, 
It was, "Be still, for God is here." 



PAX TON CHURCH. 45 



With sin they waged a ceaseless strife : 
The gospel blossomed in their life, 

Brought fruit in holy counsel given, 

Which points their ofF-spring too to heaven. 

The savage howl, the Indian dart, 
Could bring no terror to their heart ; 

Their souls must feed on heavenly food. 
And to God's House to go was good. 

The wild alarm, nor small nor great, 
Could change a heart so consecrate ; 

For come what will, or gain or loss, 
They'll hear the story of the cross. 

With Luther's mighty purpose strong. 
They move their quiet way along, 

To worship at this saintly pile. 

Though Indians spring from every tile. 

These were our Fathers ; where are they ? 

Gone to the land of endless day. 
These lamps they hung out as they trod. 

To lead our souls to heaven and to God. 

Divines may preach and argue too. 
To leave the bad, the good pursue ; 

Sound sermons with faith's wars be rife. 
Their proof was best — a holy life. 

At this their solemn trysting-place, 

We'd meet with Thee, O God of grace. 

Our souls to Thee by faith unite, 

And on our hearts Thy precepts write. 

Here at the altar where they stood, 
We'll wash afresh in cleansing blood ; 

And here again renew our tryst, 

Our lives to Thee we give, O Christ. 

And when the life of feith is done. 
The warfare o'er, the victory won, 

Our battle-flag all furled at last, 

And through the gates of glory passed. 

We'll join the Assembly of the blest, 
With all our Fathers, enter rest ; 

We'll hail our King 'upon His throne, 
And know e'en as ourselves are known. 



46 



HISTORY OF THE 



PASTORS OF PAXTON CHURCH. 

PASTORS OF PAXTON CHUECH. INSTALLED. EESIGNED. PASTORATE. 

1. William Bertram 15tli Nov, 1732 16th Sept. 1736. . 3 years, 10 months. 

2. John Elder 22d December, 1738. .13th April, 1791. .52 years, 3 months. 

3. Nathaniel R. Snowden. 3d October, 1793 13th April, 1796. . 2 years, 6 months. 

4. Joshua Williams 2d October, 1799 30th June, 1801 . . 1 year, 8 months. 

5. James R. Sharron 29th May, 1807 18th April, 1843* . 35 years, 10 months. 

6. John M. Boggs 9th April, 1845 6th Oct. 1847. ... 2 years, 5 months. 

7. Andrew D. Mitchell. . . .10th April, 1850 12th Feb.1874. . . .23 years, 10 months. 

8. William W. Downey 29th April, 1875 1 year, lOmonths. 

Present Ruling Elders are : Joshua Elder, Sr., John B. Rutherford, David 
R. Elder, Jackson G. Rutherford. * Mr. Sharron did not resign ; but died while 
pastor at the above-mentioned date. 






















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